Police have separately arrested two men suspected of defiling underage girls in the Eastern Province.

The first incident happened in Gishali Sector, Rwamagana District, on Tuesday evening when a 49-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel Ntiyamira, allegedly defiled a four-year-old girl.

Ntiyamira reportedly guided his victim from her parents’ home, without seeking their consent, to his home where he allegedly committed the crime.

When she returned home, the parents realised that she was feeling dizzy and rushed her to Rwamagana Hospital, where a doctor confirmed that she had been defiled.

Police then arrested Ntiyamira on Tuesday night as the prime suspect, following investigations and tip-off from residents.

He is currently detained at Kigabiro Police Station pending further investigations, while the young girl is undergoing treatment.

The second case happened the same day, involving a suspect, Sylvester Harerimana, 40, a resident of Gihango Sector, Ngoma District, who allegedly defiled a 17-year-old girl.

Police said investigations indicated that the suspect raided his neighbour’s home and defiled the girl while the parents had gone to tend their farm.

He was reported to Police by a neighbour who saw him entering the house and is currently held at Mutenderi Police Station, while the girl is at Mutenderi Medical Centre undergoing medical examination.

Police spokesperson for Eastern Province IP Emmanuel Kayigi, condemned the incidents, and lauded the public for providing timely information.

"Defilement is a gross offense that can only be fought through concerted effort. Some victims and parents find it hard to report to Police because, many times, the offender is known to them,” he said.

He advised parents of victims to immediately take them for sexual assault forensic examinations to help Police in collecting evidence and prosecuting the criminals.

RNP established a toll free number – 3512 – where information from the public concerning sexual and gender-related crimes can be reported.

The anti-GBV and Child Protection Directorate advises victims against immediately showering after sexual abuse as it erases evidence. The victim must first see a doctor in order to provide evidence against the accused, Police say.

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