Kigali: Two street children burnt to death in water trench

{Unknown people have burnt two street children to death as they hid in a water trench in front of CHIC building in Kigali city. One was left with severe burns, IGIHE has learnt. }

Police rushed for intervention at the crime scene and closed the road leading to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda which reopened around 7:30 hours.

One of the female street children has told IGIHE that unknown people chased after them in the night when she hid herself behind a car parking near former headquarters of Business Development Fund (BDF) while her peers hid in a water trench.

The latter has told IGIHE that her mates were burnt with petrol.

The police spokesperson in Kigali city, SP Hitayezu Emmanuel has confirmed the unfortunate incident saying investigations are underway.

“We have not yet established culprits. Police was informed around 6:00 hours that the area was on fire and rushed to the scene where we saw fire exploding from the water trench. Two children who were inside died leaving another one injured,” he said.

One of guards at CHIC buildings near the crime scene has told IGIHE that the victims have been burnt around 3:00 hours.

Following the incident, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Planning, Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine and police spokesperson ACP Theo Badege have visited the critically injured teenager at CHUK.

The Minister of Justice Busingye has largely condemned the act of killing street children saying it can’t be tolerated.

“Initial investigations indicate that this may have been a deliberate act to harm these youth. This is unacceptable. Police have credible information on the suspects who are on the run, and they are hunting for them. The suspects will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law for this hideous crime,” Busingye said in a statement.

According to police spokesperson ACP Theos Badege, preliminary investigations point to three night watchmen, who are suspected to have started the fire. The suspects are currently on the run.

“Police has started operations to locate and apprehend the individuals responsible for this hideous act. We appeal to anyone with information to help arrest the suspects,” he said .