MWANZA: IN a concerted effort to combat sexual violence, particularly rape, judges are calling on community members to assist victims in obtaining Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid (DNA) evidence which can serve as crucial proof in securing convictions.
The call was made during a recent three-day annual meeting for Judges-in-Charge of High Court, zones and divisions, where judicial strategies were discussed.
Judges emphasised the importance of victims seeking immediate medical attention to ensure fresh sperm samples are collected for accurate DNA testing.
“We encourage public education to raise awareness about how rape cases can obtain sufficient evidence to convict the accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” said the Judge-inCharge of the High Court for Tanga Zone, Katarina Mteule.
She explained that in many cases, evidence is often lacking, as victims are sometimes unsure of the identity of their attackers and the uncertainty hampers the pursuit of justice.
“The punishment for rape is not less than 30 years in prison and it is essential that we have solid evidence to support the case,” she noted.
While many complainants rely on medical test results, Judge Mteule pointed out that such evidence alone is insufficient in court.
“Medical tests can show that penetration occurred or that bruising or sperm is present, but they do not identify the perpetrator,” she explained.
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“That’s why we stress the importance of DNA testing, which can precisely identify whose sperm was involved. Convicting someone without sufficient evidence is a miscarriage of justice.” She further emphasised that strong evidence should come from relevant investigative bodies, particularly the police.
However, she noted that police officers often fail to provide adequate evidence to the court, assuming that a victim’s testimony alone is enough for a conviction.
“Some parents are also hesitant to bring victims to court, which causes delays in cases piling up, despite the judiciary’s efforts to resolve cases within 24 months at the High Court level,” she added.
Judge Mteule urged the community to support timely case resolutions, stressing that the judiciary has invested heavily in improving court operations, including the use of ICT facilities that enable video conferencing for remote hearings.
The Judge of the High Court for Manyara Zone, Mr John Kahyoza supported the initiative, highlighting the benefits of video conferencing in reducing time and travel costs for people seeking court services.
