Police have apprehended a 32-year-old man in Gicumbi District for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl.

The suspect, Samuel Bapfakurera, a resident of Karambo Cell, Nyamiyaga Sector, is currently detained at Byumba Police Station pending investigations while the victim was rushed to Byumba Hospital for medical examination.

Bapfakurera, a casual labourer at the victim’s home, allegedly committed the offence on March 22. He allegedly defiled the victim from the kitchen.

Chief Inspector of Police André Hakizimana, the Police spokesperson for Northern Province, said they acted on a tip-off from area residents.

"We call upon the general public to partner with the Police to stem such heinous crimes. We also urge parents and guardians to be more vigilant,” Hakizimana said.

He called on residents to be part of the fight against gender based violence through community sensitisation and reporting suspects in time.

"Children are the future generation of the country. It is, therefore, important that they are protected. Rwandans, especially the parents, should give enough time to their children and improve child care in order to deter the occurrences of such incidents,” he said.Defilement attracts life imprisonment on conviction.

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