The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Monday upheld a lower court’s decision to remand Marie-Chantal Mukanzabarushimana, a woman who is suspected of having a role in the death of her five years old stepdaughter, Elsie Akeza Rutiyombya.

The decision comes after the defendant filed an appeal challenging an earlier decision taken by the Kicukiro Primary Court to remand her for 30 days as investigations continue.

During the appeal hearing, the defendant claimed there was no need to remand her, arguing that she loved and lived with Akeza and "was saddened by her death.”

She added that she has a baby that she needs to take care of.

However, the prosecution requested the court to remand her because she might interfere in the investigations.

Akeza drowned in a water tank on January 14 at the home of the suspect which she shares with the deceased’s father in Busanza Cell, Kanombe Sector in Kicukiro District.

The substantive trial will begin once prosecution complete their investigations.