Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed the arrest of Phocas Katabogama, a Catholic priest and headmaster of Lycee de Rusumo in Kirehe District, on accusations of defiling a 15-year-old student at the school.

Katabogama was arrested on Wednesday, October 9, and is currently detained at Kacyiru RIB Station in Kigali as the case is being prepared for submission to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), the investigations body said.

ALSO READ: Defilement offenders face ‘legal action at any point in their lives’

Child defilement is punishable by a prison term of 20 to 25 years.

The crime of child defilement is imprescriptible, meaning it has no statute of limitations and can be prosecuted at any time.

ALSO READ: Tougher laws on defilement in the pipeline

RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira called upon the educators to uphold values and not betray the trust placed in them.

"RIB highlights that the educators must uphold moral values alongside teaching. Violating the trust placed in them, especially regarding children, is unacceptable. Such crimes will not be tolerated, and offenders will face legal consequences,” Murangira said.