The People v Antifellow Chigabba (APPEAL NO. 32/2016) [2017] ZMSC 305 (5 December 2017)

The People v Antifellow Chigabba (APPEAL NO. 32/2016) [2017] ZMSC 305 (5 December 2017)

The trial court erred in law by assessing the credibility of witnesses and considering corroboration at the no case to answer stage. Such assessment is premature and only relevant after the defence case. The finding of no case to answer was therefore improper, and a re-trial is necessary.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2017] ZMSC 305
Parties
Appellant: The People; Respondent: Antifellow Chigabba
Court
Supreme Court of Zambia
Jurisdiction
Zambia
Case Number
APPEAL NO. 32/2016
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Acquittal (finding of No Case to Answer)
Outcome
Appeal allowed; re-trial ordered
Legal Topics
Murder, Appeals, Acquittal, No Case to Answer, Corroboration of Evidence, Assessment of Witness Credibility
Source Language
en
Criminal Law Murder Appeals Acquittal No Case to Answer Corroboration of Evidence Assessment of Witness Credibility

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

The People

Appellant

Antifellow Chigabba

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Acquittal (finding of No Case to Answer)

  1. 1 Whether an appeal can lie against an acquittal on a finding of no case to answer
  2. 2 Whether the trial court erred in assessing the credibility of witnesses at the no case to answer stage
  3. 3 Whether corroboration is required for witnesses related to both accused and victim

Ratio Decidendi

The trial court erred in law by assessing the credibility of witnesses and considering corroboration at the no case to answer stage. Such assessment is premature and only relevant after the defence case. The finding of no case to answer was therefore improper, and a re-trial is necessary.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; re-trial ordered

Orders

  • Acquittal set aside
  • Re-trial before another judge of the High Court ordered