{Rwanda National Police has urged the public to heed more to child protection after two men in Gatenga Sector, Kicukiro District, were arrested on March 31 in connection with defiling a six year old girl.}
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two men, identified as Baptiste Mushimiyimana, 18, and Innocent Bankundiyiki, 16, were working as house workers at the little girl’s family when they decided to commit the offense.
Police Spokesperson for the Central Region, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi, said that their arrest was a result of a tip off from residents that enabled Police to act fast and arrest the suspects.
The defiled victim was rushed to Kacyiru Police Hospital for medical examination while the suspects are held at Gikondo Police Station as further investigations commence.
“Investigations show that the two men connived and lured the little girl out of the home when the parents were not around and one of them defiled her while the other watched over them to make sure that they were not caught in the act,” Superintendent Mbabazi said.
“This is a terrible vice that should not be tolerated and Police commends the public which came out to help Police in the investigations by providing timely information before the suspects could try to escape.”
The Director of Anti-GBV and Child Protection Directorate at Rwanda National Police, Superintendent Belline Mukamana, denounced defilement as a gross offense that can only be fought through concerted effort.
“Some victims and parents find it hard to report to Police because, many times, the offender is known to them. Children are very vulnerable and parents and guardians should take the first initiative in protecting them and instantly reporting such cases whenever they happen in order to help investigations and prosecution,” she said.
She also advised parents of victims to immediately take them for forensic examinations to help Police in collecting evidence for subsequent prosecuting the criminals.
RNP established a toll free number – 3512 – where information from the public concerning sexual and gender-related crimes can be reported.
The anti-GBV and Child Protection Directorate advises victims against showering immediately after sexual abuse as it erases evidence. The victim must first see a doctor in order to provide evidence against the accused.
LArticle 191 of the Penal Code provides for punishment up to life imprisonment to any one person found guilty of defilement.
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