Four men were on Friday given varying prison sentences after they were found guilty of sexually abusing six secondary school teenage girls in Nyagatare District.

Three of the suspects; Robert Mugabe aka Mabati, Alex Kagame, and David Murekezi were handed 10 years in prison while Sosthene Ndibwami, a juvenile, got a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of Rwf1 million.

The court said its decision was based on medical examination that showed the girls had been sexually abused.

Whistleblower commended

Meanwhile, residents of Nyagatare District have commended the brave woman who reported the sexual abuse to the Police.

Esther Musabyeyezu is said to have tipped off the Police, leading to the arrest of the convicts.Leonard Ntaganda, one of the residents, commended Musabyeyezu, saying she did great service to the parents of the girls and the nation.

He warned that there could be more cases of sexual abuse in communities that go unnoticed.

"The woman is a heroine. This is a cartel of rich businesses that exploit children from poor backgrounds. Many of us knew they were sexually abusing our children but feared to speak out.

The woman is brave and we should all emulate her,” he said.

One teacher at Nyagatare Secondary School, who preferred anonymity, blamed parents for not being vigilant enough to stop the abusers.

He commended the court’s decision, noting that justice was served.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our children,” he said.

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