The Tanzania High Court has dismissed an appeal by Komanya Makoye, a man serving a 30-year jail term for rape, ruling that the trial record clearly showed he understood all proceedings in Kiswahili.

Justice Kamazima Kafanabo emphasized that Makoye responded to charges, cross-examined witnesses, and answered questions in Kiswahili without indicating any language barriers.The court rejected claims that he was denied a Sukuma interpreter, noting he actively participated in his defense.

While upholding the 30-year sentence for rape, the court quashed his separate five-year conviction for impregnating a student, stating the charge wasn’t proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Evidence presented included testimony from the survivor and medical findings confirming her pregnancy, which satisfied legal criteria for statutory rape.

The judge highlighted that the prosecution must prove cases beyond reasonable doubt, and Makoye’s denial of paternity meant DNA evidence was needed to link him to the pregnancy.The court ordered him to serve the 30-year sentence but overturned the impregnation charge due to insufficient proof.