20190930 TZHC Mwanza

20190930 TZHC Mwanza

The trial court failed to comply with section 127(2) of the Evidence Act regarding the competency and procedure for child witnesses, rendering the evidence inadmissible and the conviction unsafe.

Citation
20190930 TZHC Mwanza
Parties
Appellant: Samson Baba Tausi; Respondent: Republic
Court
TZHC
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
30 September 2019
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Rape, Child Witness, Evidence, Procedure
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

Samson Baba Tausi

Appellant

Republic

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial court complied with section 127(2) of the Evidence Act regarding child witnesses
  2. 2 Whether the conviction based on unsworn evidence of children of tender age was valid

Ratio Decidendi

The trial court failed to comply with section 127(2) of the Evidence Act regarding the competency and procedure for child witnesses, rendering the evidence inadmissible and the conviction unsafe.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • All proceedings and verdict of the subordinate court quashed
  • Appellant released from prison unless held for other lawful purposes