Section 248: Proof of previous conviction.

1 Where it is necessary to prove a conviction of a criminal offence, the same may be proved-
a by the production of a certificate of conviction containing the substance and effect of the conviction only, purporting to be signed by the registrar or other officer of the court in whose custody is the record such of the said conviction; or
b if the conviction was before a customary court, by a similar certificate signed by the clerk of court or scribe of the court in whose custody is the record of the said such conviction; or
c by a certificate purporting to be signed by the Director of Prisons or officer in charge of the records of a prison in which the prisoner was confined giving the offence for which the prisoner was convicted, the date and the sentence.

2 If a person alleged to be the person referred to in the certificate denies that he is such person the certificate shall not be put in evidence unless the court is satisfied by the evidence, that the individual in question and the person and the person named in the certificate are the same.