Karongi: 52-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Five Children

The suspect, a resident of Wingabo Village in Bisesero Cell, Rwankuba Sector, is alleged to have committed the offences on different occasions.

According to one of his neighbours, the man allegedly lured the children with snacks such as mandazi and biscuits. In some cases, he reportedly promised them certain items but did not give them what he had promised. The children would then reportedly go to meet him at a nearby trading centre to ask for what they had been promised, without their parents knowing the nature of the meetings.

The neighbour said the case came to light after one of the children reportedly disclosed the alleged abuse, prompting other children to also provide information about what they had experienced.

People who know the suspect described him as sociable and said that, in the past, he was known for approaching other men’s wives, although they believed he had stopped such behaviour.

The five children are reportedly between five and nine years old.

Niyonsaba Félicien, Executive Secretary of Rwankuba Sector, confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect is being held at the RIB station in Bwishyura.

“Yes, he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing five children. He is being held at the Bwishyura station,” Niyonsaba said.

Sexual abuse of a person under the age of 18 is a criminal offence under Rwandan law and is among offences that are not subject to a statute of limitations.

Under Rwanda’s general penal law, a person convicted of defilement of a child below the age of 14 may face 25 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances provided for by law.

The suspect remains under investigation, and the allegations have not yet been determined by a court.

A Story by Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva