A primary school teacher has been arrested in Gisagara District for allegedly defiling his pupil.
Christopher Gatare, 30, a teacher at Ndora Primary School is said to have defiled and impregnated his 17-year old Primary Six pupil.
The teacher’s wrongdoing came to light after school authorities realised that the girl was pregnant.
The victim later told police and the school authorities that Gatare was responsible for the pregnancy, when asked.
The victim said the suspect had on several occasions forced himself on her which resulted into the pregnancy.
The victim’s testimony was also confirmed by classmates who were well versed with the girl’s dilemma.
The suspect, on learning that his criminal act had come to light, police said, he fled but was arrested on February 6 in Ruturo cell in Kibirizi sector, Gisagara District.
He is currently detained at Mugombwa Police Station.
The school authorities said they were surprised by the misconduct of their teacher, who they alleged was usually characterized by good discipline.
The District Police Commander, Superintendent Fred Yahaya Simugaya confimed the development.
He said Gatare escaped after learning that the young girl had a three-month old pregnancy.
Supt. Simugaya “strongly” condemned the act and called on parents, local leaders, security organs and educators to join efforts in fighting such crimes.
He disclosed that Police in Gisagara in collaboration with district authorities, the youth and women associations and other institutions in the district are planning to launch a sensitization campaign in all secondary schools and hold discussions with local citizens in relation to gender based violence especially on ways of fighting and preventing child abuse.
Under Article 191 of the penal code, child defilement is punishable with a life sentence, if convicted, but with special provisions.
However, under article 192, if child defilement is committed by his/her parent or guardian, a representative of the administrative authority, a representative of the religious authority, a security officer, a medical professional, a teacher, a trainee or any person who have abused his/her position or authority over a child, the offender shall be liable to life imprisonment with special provisions and a fine of Rwf100, 000 to Rwf500, 000.
Rape and defilement have serious negative effects such as infertility, trauma, the contraction of HIV/AIDS and terminal illness and even death, medical experts say.
The fight against rape and defilement should not be left in the hands of Rwanda National Police, women advocates and other institutions alone but individuals, organizations including religious bodies, should collaborate with the law enforcement agencies to curb that scourge.
RNP
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