haji shabani said v the republic 2023 tzhc 19337 27 july 2023

haji shabani said v the republic 2023 tzhc 19337 27 july 2023

The evidence of the victim, a child of tender age, was recorded contrary to section 127(2) of the Evidence Act and relevant case law, rendering it inadmissible and valueless; the remaining evidence was hearsay or did not establish the identity of the assailant; thus, the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Citation
haji shabani said v the republic 2023 tzhc 19337 27 july 2023
Parties
Appellant: Haji Shabani @ Said; Respondent: The Republic
Court
TZHC
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
27 July 2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Rape, Evidence, Procedure, Child Witness, Standard of Proof
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

Haji Shabani @ Said

Appellant

The Republic

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the prosecution proved the case of rape against the appellant beyond reasonable doubt
  2. 2 Whether the evidence of the child victim was properly admitted and considered according to law
  3. 3 Whether the appellant's defence was considered by the trial court

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence of the victim, a child of tender age, was recorded contrary to section 127(2) of the Evidence Act and relevant case law, rendering it inadmissible and valueless; the remaining evidence was hearsay or did not establish the identity of the assailant; thus, the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Conviction quashed
  • Sentence of thirty years set aside