An inmate who escaped from Mpanga Prison in Nyanza District six months ago was rearrested Tuesday night in Gicumbi District, on a tip off from residents.

Mpanga is a maximum security prison and the suspect, Théogène Batambarije, had escaped with two others, former journalist Cassien Ntamuhanga, and a one Sibomana Kirenge.

According to Rwanda Correctional Services Spokesperson, Hillary Sengabo, Batambarije was arrested from a trading centre identified as Miyove in Gicumbi after residents saw him in a bar and tipped the authorities.

Batambarije was serving 16 years, having been convicted of aggravated rape.

"Our investigation department has been busy searching for him focusing mainly on his area of birth and thanks to the residents, we were tipped about his whereabouts and he was arrested,” said Sengabo.

The convict is temporarily being held at Miyove prison in Gicumbi District, according to officials.

According to the Penal Code, any convict that escapes while serving a sentence shall be liable to double of the penalty that remains to be served.

Following the escape, terror convict Ntamuhanga, who escaped together with Batambarije, was in February interviewed by American broadcaster Voice Of America in which he claimed to have left Rwanda.

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