DPP appeals Draru case
Sep 21, 2011
THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has filed a notice of appeal against Lydia Draru, who was convicted of manslaughter for killing former army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini.
By Edward Anyoli
THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has filed a notice of appeal against Lydia Draru, who was convicted of manslaughter for killing former army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini.
The High Court in Kampala sentenced Draru to 14 years in jail.
Justice Monica Mugenyi acquitted Draru of the charge of murder, which would have carried a heavier sentence.
“The DPP is dissatisfied with the judgment of her Lordship Monica Mugenyi, delivered on August 31, 2011 at Kampala, whereby the judge acquitted Draru of the offence of murder and convicted her of the offence of manslaughter. The appeal is against the acquittal and sentence,†the notice read.
In her ruling, Mugenyi agreed with defence lawyers that Draru did not intend to kill Kazini.
“I, therefore, accept the defence position that the deceased threatened to get his gun and kill the accused and she purported to respond to this threat in self-defence,†the judge said.
According to evidence adduced in court during the trial, Draru repeatedly hit Kazini with an iron bar.
THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has filed a notice of appeal against Lydia Draru, who was convicted of manslaughter for killing former army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini.
The High Court in Kampala sentenced Draru to 14 years in jail.
Justice Monica Mugenyi acquitted Draru of the charge of murder, which would have carried a heavier sentence.
“The DPP is dissatisfied with the judgment of her Lordship Monica Mugenyi, delivered on August 31, 2011 at Kampala, whereby the judge acquitted Draru of the offence of murder and convicted her of the offence of manslaughter. The appeal is against the acquittal and sentence,†the notice read.
In her ruling, Mugenyi agreed with defence lawyers that Draru did not intend to kill Kazini.
“I, therefore, accept the defence position that the deceased threatened to get his gun and kill the accused and she purported to respond to this threat in self-defence,†the judge said.
According to evidence adduced in court during the trial, Draru repeatedly hit Kazini with an iron bar.