Musanze: Man arrested for allegedly defiling 11-year-old girl

A man named Niyonzima Cyprien, aged 53, who lives in Nyagisenyi Village, Nyonirima Cell, Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, is in the custody of security organs on suspicion of defiling an 11-year-old girl, —IMVAHONSHYA report.

According to the parents of the child — Mahirwe Christine (name changed) — they are renting a house in the compound owned by the suspect, which is where the alleged crime took place.

They say they learned about the incident when Niyonzima was brought to the Kinigi Sector Office by security officers so he could be investigated for the alleged crime.

The child’s mother, Nyiramana Leocadie (name changed), said: “I found out while I was at the Sector Office, where I was working. They told me that Niyonzima found Mahirwe at home, entered her bedroom, covered her mouth so she wouldn’t scream, and then raped her.”

She added: “After the child was assaulted, she started to cry for help, but because there was a church nearby where people were singing, her voice was not heard. Later she managed to borrow a phone and called for help, which is when the man was arrested. I ask that justice does its work and that this man pays for what he did.”

Some neighbors said they were shocked by the news, saying that Niyonzima was not known for bad behavior.

One neighbor said: “We were very saddened to hear this because we had never known him to be a drunkard or to behave like this. But if it is true, he should be severely punished to set an example, and we are waiting for the investigation results.”

The Executive Secretary of Kinigi Sector, Gahonzire Landouard, confirmed that they received the information and that an investigation is underway.

He said: “Yes, it is true, we received information that Niyonzima Cyprien allegedly defiled an 11-year-old girl. We immediately handed him over to security organs so he could be investigated, while the child was taken to Ruhengeri Referral Hospital to receive initial support and be tested for any possible infections.”

He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children, especially those renting homes in compounds shared by many people.