Rusizi: Two children caught drinking alcohol after skipping school

By The Inspirer.

Kamembe sector authorities in Rusizi district, together with local security officers, caught two schoolchildren drinking alcohol in a bar after skipping classes.

The children, one in primary grade five and the other in secondary grade two, were found at a bar in Kamashangi village, near their school. The bar, which sold unlicensed and low-quality alcohol, had allowed the minors to drink during school hours.

One official involved in the inspection said the incident was shocking. “It is unacceptable for a bar owner to sell illegal alcohol to children, especially during school hours. This endangers their health and violates the law,” the official said.

The bar owner, 35-year-old Benimana Innocent, fled the scene and is being sought by authorities. Around 300 liters of illegal alcohol were confiscated during the raid.

The children were counseled in the presence of their parents, and the school was informed. Authorities warned parents and the community about the dangers of alcohol abuse and the importance of school attendance.

Joyeux Ingabire, executive secretary of Kamembe sector, said taking children out of school to drink is a punishable offense. She added that authorities will continue monitoring schools to prevent similar incidents and will hold bar owners accountable under the law.

After the raid, all alcohol and equipment were confiscated for safekeeping while the investigation continues.