R.v. John s/o Augustino, Crim. Rev. 29-D-67; 17/3/67; Hamlyn, J.

R.v. John s/o Augustino, Crim. Rev. 29-D-67; 17/3/67; Hamlyn, J.

While intoxicated, accused verbally deprecated the President o Tanzania, and said that he would burn down the house of anyone who disagreed with him. One witness was “very annoyed ”and another claimed “not to have been pleased” by accused ’s remarks. Accused was convicted of “using insulting language …… in such manner as is likely to cause a breach of the peace “ (P. C. s. 89(1)(a))

            Held: (1) The statute is aimed at preventing incitements to physical violence. Mere annoyance or displeasure among the listeners is not sufficient. (2) The threats to burn the houses of those who disagreed were not relevant; the breach of the peace referred to by the statute contemplates only action by the listeners.