republic vs masumbuko fredrick 2022 tzhc 14881 29 november 2022

republic vs masumbuko fredrick 2022 tzhc 14881 29 november 2022

The accused acted under sudden provocation caused by the deceased's words and circumstances related to witchcraft, depriving him of self-control, and therefore is guilty of manslaughter, not murder.

Citation
republic vs masumbuko fredrick 2022 tzhc 14881 29 november 2022
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Masumbuko Fredrick
Court
TZHC
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
29 November 2022
Procedural Posture
Criminal Sessions Case / Judgment and Sentencing
Outcome
Conviction for manslaughter; sentenced to one year imprisonment from date of order.
Legal Topics
Murder, Manslaughter, Provocation, Witchcraft, Sentencing
Source Language
English

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Masumbuko Fredrick

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Sessions Case / Judgment and Sentencing

  1. 1 Whether killing by reason of witchcraft unaccompanied by physical attack can invite the defence of provocation in murder charges
  2. 2 Whether the accused acted under sudden provocation depriving self-control

Ratio Decidendi

The accused acted under sudden provocation caused by the deceased's words and circumstances related to witchcraft, depriving him of self-control, and therefore is guilty of manslaughter, not murder.

Court Disposition

Conviction for manslaughter; sentenced to one year imprisonment from date of order.

Orders

  • Accused convicted of manslaughter contrary to sections 195 and 198 of the Penal Code.
  • Accused sentenced to one year imprisonment from 29th November 2022.