In the District Court of Mtwara sitting at Mtwara, the
Appellant was charged with the offence of rape, allegedly committed between the
11th and 25th day of October, 2016, upon a girl of tender
age. The prosecution witnesses were heard in his absence, apparently after he
had jumped bail. He was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life
imprisonment. Aggrieved by the conviction and sentence, he filed this appeal.