Nyamasheke: Man arrested over death of partner’s 8-month-old baby

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested a 26-year-old man in Nyamasheke District in connection with the death of his partner’s eight-month-old baby, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.

The suspect, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, is accused of causing the death of the infant, who was the child of his 20-year-old partner, Niyodusenga Jeannette. The two had reportedly been living together for about a month.

According to information from local sources, the couple had been facing domestic tensions, reportedly linked to the child. On the night of April 18, 2026, the suspect is said to have returned home heavily intoxicated and entered the room where the baby was sleeping.

The child reportedly cried during the night, but the severity of the situation was not immediately established. On the morning of April 19, the mother found the baby unresponsive after briefly stepping out, prompting her to alert neighbours and local authorities.

Security organs, including RIB, responded to the incident, leading to the suspect’s arrest to facilitate investigations. The infant’s body was taken to Bushenge Hospital before being transferred to Kigali for further forensic examination.

Habumugisha Hyacinthe, Executive Secretary of Bushenge Sector, confirmed the arrest and urged the public to await official findings.

“We call on residents to remain calm and allow investigations to establish the exact cause of death,” he said.

The suspect is currently detained at the RIB station in Shangi, while the case file is being prepared for submission to the prosecution.