[2003] UGHC 26

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Jessica chemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo9\dy18\hr16\min23}{\revtim\yr2008\mo9\dy18\hr16\min23}{\printim\yr2003\mo9\dy19\hr14\min34}{\version2}{\edmins5}{\nofpages13}{\nofwords2031}{\nofchars11580}{\*\company Acer Customer}{\nofcharsws13584} {\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nojkernpunct\rsidroot11604511 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid13128759 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid13128759 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid13128759 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid13128759 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs19\insrsid11604511 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs19\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12078602 13}}}{\cs19\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11604511 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid11604511 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \par CASE NO: HCT-00-CR-SC-0097 OF 2002 \par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 UGANDA :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: PROSECUTOR \par }\pard\plain \s2\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 VERSUS \par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 KYOTEREKERA MIKE ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ACCUSED \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid11604511 BEFORE: }{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 HON. MR. JUSTICE RUBBY AWERI-OPIO

\par J U D G M E N T: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 The Accused Kyoterekera Mike was indicted for Murder Contrary to Sections 183 and 184 of the Penal Code Act. The particulars on the indictment alleged that between 2}{\fs28\super\insrsid11604511 nd}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 and 6}{ \fs28\super\insrsid11604511 th}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 May 2002 at Makerere Kavule Zone Kampala District the Accused murdered one Safina Namawejje. \par \par The background of the prosecution case is as follows:- On 2}{\fs28\super\insrsid11604511 nd}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 May 2002 between 3.00p.m. and 8.00p.m. the Accused was seen lingering around Makerere Kavule Zone near the home of the deceased. The residents of the said zone suspected the Accused of having some unknown design. They accordingly reported the suspicious presence of the Accused to their local leader. The Accused was dressed in a trouser, white T-shirt and a black j acket. At around 8.30 p.m. the Accused was seen at Makerere Kavule stage standing near the deceased. Shortly later the deceased was heard crying \'93the man has killed me\'94 The deceased was seen jumping up and down in pain as she was running towards Kalerwe. On the other hand the Accused was seen running toward Bwaise. Rescuers ran to the scene where they recovered an empty container labeled \'93venus\'94 which contained some acidic substance. The Accused was found to have a burnt face. The deceased was found to have been seriously burnt with the said acidic substance. She was rushed to Mulago Hospital where she later died. \par \par The Accused was saved from mob justice and taken to Kalerwe Police Post and later on rushed to Mulago hospital where he shared the same w ard with the victim. The substance in the venus container was taken for scientific analysis and it was found to contain sulphiric acid which was poured on the deceased. Hence the charge. \par \par On arraignment the Accused denied the charge. By that plea, the Accused put in issue all the essential elements in the offence charged to be proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt. An Accused person does not bear the duty to prove his innocence as he is presumed innocent until proved guilty. The above pri nciple was laid down since the decision in }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 Woolimington Vs DPP [1935] AC 462}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 . See also }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 Aniseth Vs R [1963] EA 206, 208. \par }{\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par The above principle was also endorsed in out 1995 Constitution whose Article 28 (3) (a) states that every person charged with a Criminal offence is presumed innocent until proved guilty or has pleaded guilty. \par \par The following are the essential ingredients of the offence of murder which have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The are:- \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid11604511 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (1)\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-390\li390\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx390\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin390\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 that the victim is dead.

\par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid11604511 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}that the death of the victim was caused unlawfully.}{\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid11604511 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 that whoever caused the death of the victim had malice aforethought, and}{\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid11604511 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (4)\tab}}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 that the Accused participated in causing the death of the deceased.}{\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par In an attempt to discharge the above burden cast on it by law, the prosecution adduced the evidence of eight witnesses: \par Kanakulya Arthur (PW1), Farouk Namugera (PW2),Robina Kirinya, (PW3), Byaruhanga George (PW4), Ali Lugunda (PW5), Dr Barungi (PW6), D/AIP Asiimwe (PW7) and Dr Kidega (PW8). The prosecution further tendered in evidence six exhibits: \par (Exhibit P1); Government analyst Report. \par (Exhibit P2); Medical Examination Report. \par (Exhibit P3); Exhibit Record Slip. \par (Exhibit P4); Venus contrainer. \par (Exhibit P5); Sketch plan of scene of crime. \par (Exhibit P6); Post mortem examination Report \par \par The defence made unsworn defence and did not call any witness. \par \par In regard to the first ingredient, there was overwhelming evidence that the deceased is indeed dead. Farouk Namugera (PW2) who rescued the victim soon after the attack testified that he took the victim to Mulago Hospital where she was admitted and later died. He testified that he participated in the burial ceremony. Dr Kidaga (PW8) testified that he examined the dead body of the victim Safina Namawejje on 7}{\fs28\super\insrsid11604511 th}{ \fs28\insrsid11604511 May 2002. She had burns on her fa ce, neck, anterior chest and upper arms. He stated that the deceased died out of respiratory failure following initiation inhalation injuries. The defence also conceded that deceased died and was buried. I therefore conclude that the prosecution has pr oved beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased is dead. \par \par As to whether the deceased\rquote s death was unlawfully caused, the law presumes that in homicide cases death is always unlawfully caused unless it was accidental or that it was committed in circumstances w hich make it excusable. Killing is excusable if committed in self defence, defence of property or defence by another person: See }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 R Vs Gusambizi s/o Wesonga [1948] 15 EACA 65}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 . \par \par The above presumption is rebuttable. The duty to rebut it lies on the Accused. However the standard of proof required to discharge that duty on the Accused is very low. It is on the balance of probabilities: See }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 Festo Shirabu s/o Musungu Vs R [1955] 22 EACA 454. \par }{\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par In the instant case there was completely no evidence of rebu ttal. On the contrary there was the evidence of Dr Kidaga (PW8), the Doctor who carried out post mortem examination on the deceased who stated that the deceased had external injuries on to wit burns on the face, neck, anterior chest and upper arms, inter n ally she had pulmonary oedema i.e. excessive fluids in the lungs. He concluded that the cause of death was due to the respiratory failure following initiation inhalation injuries which resulted when a chemical substance was poured on her. The Accused ad m itted that the death of the deceased was unlawfully caused. He stated that the same substance which was also poured on the victim also splashed on him. Like the gentleman and lady Assessor I do find that the deceased Safina Namawejje is dead and that h er death was unlawfully caused. \par \par The next ingredient is whether the death of the deceased was caused with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought is defined under Section 186 of the Penal Code Act to mean intention to cause death of a person whether such a person is the person actually killed or knowledge that the act or omission causing death will probably cause death of some person, though such knowledge is accompanied by indifference whether death is caused or not or by a wish that it may not be caused . \par \par Malice aforethought is therefore a mental element of the offence of murder which is difficult to prove by direct evidence. But it is now established that malice aforethought can be inferred from the surrounding circumstances of the offence such as the w eapon used, the part of the body on which such weapon was applied, the nature of injuries inflicted and the conduct of the assailant before and after the attack. The use of a lethal weapon like a spear, a panga or a knife or a gun on a vulnerable part o f the body of the victim readily attracts inference that the assailant had the necessary malice aforethought: See }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 R Vs Tubere s/o Ochen [1945] 12 EACA 63}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 . \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 In that case, the Appellant was convicted of murder. It was proved that he had seriously assaulte d the deceased with a heavy walking stick, causing severe injuries from which the deceased died shortly afterwards. The Appellant himself did not deny the use of the stick. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par On appeal, Sir Sheridan CJ (as he then was) said: \par \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li720\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 \'93With regard to the use of a s tick in cases of homicide, this Court has not attempted to lay down any hard and fast rule. It has a duty to perform in considering the weapon used, the manner in which it is used and the part of the body injured, in arriving at a conclusion as to whethe r malice aforethought has been established, and it will be obvious that ordinarily an inference of malice will flow more readily from the use of say, a spear or a knife than from the use of a stick; that is not to say that the Court takes a lenient view w here a stick is used. Every case has of course to be judged on its own facts\'94. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li720\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 It is therefore trite law that Courts do not lay down a hard and fast rule as to which weapon is a killer weapon. Each case has to be judged on its own facts to decide whether malice aforethought has been established. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par In the instant case the victim was said to have been attacked by using sulphiric acid. According to the testimony of Mr Lugundo, sulphiric acid is a corrosive substance which can lead to death. Dr Kidaga (PW8) who examined the deceased testified that as a result of the chemical substance poured on the victim 50% of her body surface was burnt. There were burns on the face, neck, anterior chest and the upper arms leading to pulmonary oedema which caused a respir a tory failure. So a corrosive substance was poured on the deceased at close range, thereby affecting 50% of body including her head and chest. Those are very vulnerable parts of the body. Whoever used such a lethal weapon on the vulnerable parts of the

body which caused extensive injuries on the deceased must have intended to kill her. Malice aforethought could also flow from the conduct of the attacker before and after the attack. In this case the assailant was said to have trailed the deceased from .00p.m. up to 8.30 p.m. when the attack took place. After the incident he was seen fleeing in the opposite direction after fait accompli. In those circumstances, I cannot resist the view that the killing of the deceased was premeditated. In agreement with both Assessors and the defence I do find that the prosecution has also proved beyond reasonable doubt that whoever killed the deceased had the necessary malice aforethought. \par \par The last and only contested ingredient is whether it was the Accused who caus ed the death of the deceased. The prosecution contended that it was Accused who had caused the death of the deceased. That contention rested mainly on the evidence of PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4 who testified that they so saw the Accused at the scene. In }{ \b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 Abdalla Nubulere and others Vs Uganda [1979] HCB 77}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 the defunct Court of Appeal for Uganda held that: \par }{\b\i\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li720\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\insrsid11604511 \'93 Where the case against the Accused depends wholly or substantially on the correctness of one or more identifications of the Accused, which the defence dis putes, the Judge should warn himself and the Assessors of the special need for caution before convicting Accused in reliance on the correct identification or identifications. The reason for the special caution is that there is a possibility that a mistak e n witness can be a convincing one, that even a number of such witnesses can all be mistaken. The judge should then examine closely the circumstances the identification came to be made, particularly the length of time, the distance, the light, familiarity of the witness with the Accused. All these factors go to the quality of the identification evidence. If the quality is good the danger of mistaken identify is reduced, but the poorer the quality the greater the danger\'94.}{\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li720\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 In the instant case PW2 testified that he saw the Accused trailing the deceased from 3.00p.m. until 8.30p.m. when he was seen attacking the victim. He stated that after taking the victim to Hospital he came back and found the Accused arrested by people who wanted to mob him. He identif i ed him as the person he had cited at their village. PW3 and PW4 testified that they saw a person who attacked the victim as he was running towards Bwaise. In all, the evidence was that the Accused was arrested because he was found to have been burnt by same substance. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par The Accused in unsworn defence stated that he was also a victim of circumstances that the same substance was also poured on him. From the evidence of the prosecution witnesses I cannot resist the impression that the Accused was properly id entified at the scene. I do find the prosecution did establish that the Accuse had been trailing the victim between 3.00p.m. to 8.30p.m. He was seen at the stage near the victim. There was ample light. After the incident he was seen running towards Bw aise while the victim took to the direction of Kalerwe. While the victim was crying for help the Accused never cried although it turned out that he had also suffered terrible burns himself on the face (exhibit P2). \par \par The Accused was arrested and identified by PW2 soon after the attack apparently after the same substance had blinded him up and he would not go far. In addition the Accused was the only man seen standing next to the victim at the time of the incident when the victim was heard crying \'93 The man has killed me\'94 . All those circumstances point irresistibly that it was the Accused who attacked the victim with the lethal substance which also spilled on his face. I cannot therefore believe the defence raised by the Accused that whoever attacked the victi m also aimed at him. That was a mere second thought to wriggle him out of this problem. By divine intervention, the Accused branded himself at the scene of crime possibly because the victim might have put her hands to ward off the attack thereby splashi n g the same substance on his face. For the above reasons I do agree with both Assessors that the prosecution has proved all the essential ingredients of the offence of murder. I therefore find the Accused guilty as charged and he is convicted accordingly . \par \par }\pard\plain \s3\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 RUBBY AWERI OPIO \par }\pard\plain \s4\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 JUDGE \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid11604511 23/6/2003. \par \par 26//6/2003:- \par }{\fs28\insrsid11604511 Court as before. \par Judgment read in open Court. \par \par }{\b\fs28\ul\insrsid11604511 SENTENCE}{\b\fs28\insrsid11604511 :}{\fs28\insrsid11604511 - \par There is only one sentence in respect of murder. It is death. The Accused is sentenced to suffer death after all due process of the law is followed. \par \par }\pard\plain \s3\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 \par \par \par \par RUBBY AWERI OPIO \par }\pard\plain \s4\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11604511 JUDGE \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid11604511 23/6/2003. \par }{\fs28\insrsid11604511 \par }}