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23 EACA 24
29
C193
COURT OF APPEAL FOR EASTERN AFRICA.
Before Sim Josern Suempay, C.J. (Kenya), Six Stosey
Anrattams, C.J. (Tanganyika), and Haut, 0.5. (Uganda).
REX, Respondent (Original Prosecutor)
2.
MWANGO S/O MANAA Appellant (Original Accused).
Cr. App. No. 11/1985.
Criminal Procedure—Rending deposition of absent witness—
Identification parade.
Appellant in person
Dennison, Crown Counsel, for the respondent.
Tuvomert (delivered by Hatt, C.J.)—In this case, the
learned trial judge said in the course of his judgment: ‘The
‘ease for the Crown is bused on statements made by the deceased
and on his identification of the accused before his death. These
statements are corroborated to a certain extent by Musili Malonza
who impressed me as a witness of truth," and he then went on
to point out that the defence put forward was an alibi which was
not supported, as it possibly might have been, by any other
witness
In our view, there was undoubtedly sufficient evidence before
the Court below on which to convict and we see no ground for
interference. There are, however, two points arising out of this
case which call for eriticism
In the first place, at the so-called identification parade
which took place at the hospital it seems that only three men
(including the accused) were actunlly paraded. It is true that,
in addition, two askaris in plain clothes were in the ward at the
same time, but it is not at all clear from the record that they
were actually paeaded with the other three men. Further,
according to the evidence of one of the plain clothes askaris
already referred to, the officer in charge of the parade asked
décensed, “Amongst these three men who assaulted you?”
This method of identifiention was very unsatistactory, to
say the least of it, and we think it well, ia this connection, to
set out in extenso Kenya Police Order No. 15/26 dealing with
identification parades which received the approval of the then
Chief Justice prior to issue. It reads as follows:—
IxstRvction For Iesttrtcattox PARADES.
1. That the sccused person is always informed that he
ray have a solicitor or friend present when the parade
takes place
2. That the officer in charge of the caso, although he
may be present, docs not carry out the identification.1
ang
se
30
3. That the witnesses do not see the accused before the
parade.
4. That the accused is placed among at least eight
persons, as far as possible of similar age, height, general
appearance and class of life as himself or herself
5. That the accused is allowed to take any position be
chooses, and that he is allowed to change his position after
each identifying witness has left, if he so desires
6. Care to be exercised that the witnesses are not
allowed to communicate with each other after they have
been to the parade.
7. Exclude every person who has no business there.
8. Make u careful note after each witness leaves the
ade, revording whether the witness identifies or other
tance.
9. If the witness desires to see the accused walk, hear
, see him with his hat on or off, see that this is
done, As a precautionary measure it is suggested the whole
parade be asked to do this.
10. See that the witness touches the person he identifies.
11. At the termination of the parade or during the
parade ask the accused if he is satisfied that the parade is
being conducted in a fair manner and make a note of his
reply.
12. In introducing the witness tell him that he will see
a group of people who may or may not contain the suspected
porson. Don’t say, “Pick out somebody," or influence him
in any way whatever.
13. Act with serupulous fairness, otherwise the value
of the identification as evidence will depreciate considerably.
‘The other point in the case to which we wish to refer is
the putting in of the deposition of Juma Matambo at the trial.
In this connection, the record reads: “Juma Matambo ealled
no appearance—summons returned into Court unserved. It is
proposed to put in the deposition under Sec. 287 (a) (ji) Cr. P.C.
Deposition of Juma Matambo put in evidence and read.”
We are of opinion that, before a deposition can be put in
evidence ut a trial, on the ground that a witness cannot be found,
it is essential thot evidence should be given by the person or
jersons concerned that diligent and adequate search has been
ade fér the raissing witness. When the trial judge is satisfied
+ such search has been made, then and then only should he
low the deposition to be read. We consider that the deposition
y admitted in this case, there being no
yn; but, at the same time, we
a perusal of the record that its misceception
e result of the case. The appeal is dismissed