19890414 TZHC Mbeya

19890414 TZHC Mbeya

The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were unlawfully prospecting for gold, due to conflicting evidence and credible alibi witnesses for the accused.

Citation
19890414 TZHC Mbeya
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Godwin s/o Mwakyoma; Accused: Dick Jonas; Accused: Twagile s/o Mwaankema; Accused: Jaffet s/o Farija
Court
TZHC
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
14 April 1989
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
acquittal
Legal Topics
Unlawful Prospecting for Gold, Burden of Proof, Evidence Assessment
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Godwin s/o Mwakyoma

Accused

Dick Jonas

Accused

Twagile s/o Mwaankema

Accused

Jaffet s/o Farija

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the accused were unlawfully prospecting for gold contrary to the Economic and Organized Crime Control Act and the Mining Act
  2. 2 Whether the prosecution proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt

Ratio Decidendi

The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were unlawfully prospecting for gold, due to conflicting evidence and credible alibi witnesses for the accused.

Court Disposition

acquittal

Orders

  • All accused persons are acquitted.
  • Exhibits (one pick axe, five shovels, three wires) to be returned to the Mines Office, Chunya.