Rwanda National Police (RNP) has sounded a call for the public to stand up against child abuse following a heinous crime of defilement committed against a nine year old girl in Nyagatare District.
The suspect, Fredouard Muhire, 67, a resident of Rukomo Sector, Rurenge Cell allegedly trounced on the juvenile on June 25, the day he was arrested.
He is currently detained at Gatunda Police Station as investigations continue.
Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, noted that the information about the act was swiftly provided by the local leaders in the Sector who had been informed by area residents, which enabled police to catch and arrest the suspect before he could escape.
“The suspect committed the offence under the influence of illicit alcohol. After getting drunk, he stealthily entered his neighbor’s home and defiled the little girl. They however found him in the act and alerted the local authorities, who also alerted the nearest Police,” IP Kayigi said.
The young victim was rushed to Ruregnge Health Centre for medical examination and treatment.
“It is possible that sometimes cases like this go unreported because parents and guardians feel ashamed or because they know the attacker as a family friend or relative. However, in order to ensure justice and prevent similar attacks, such crimes should be reported immediately.”
He commended the public, particularly the Community Policing Committees and Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention, for their steadfast contribution to security and safety by providing information about suspected criminals and gangs in society.
He also warned that whereas Police responds fast to defilement and sexual assault, the society needs to do more by watching over the safety of children so that they are not attacked by vicious sexual offenders.
“If a child is sexually assaulted and there is delay in reporting, the suspect could escape and continue his attacks against unsuspecting victims. Therefore, the timely reports and evidence that residents provide could be the difference between a conviction and another case of rape on another person,” he said.
Defilement attracts life imprisonment upon conviction.