MUSANZE – The Mayor of Musanze District Célestin Kalabayinga on Tuesday appeared before the district Grand Instance Court over the death of a child he allegedly knocked in a road accident.

Court heard that Kalabayinga while driving last year knocked and seriously injured 10-year old Christian Mugisha, in Ruhengeri town. Christian later died in hospital.

The child was reportedly walking by the road side alone with his father Augustin Ntaganda when the accident occured.

Kalabayinga, appeared in court with his defence lawyer Maitre Clément Ntihemuka. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges.

"I was saddened by that accident, I apologised to the bereaved family, and I have apologised in court, I will be waiting for the verdict of the court,’’ Kalabayinga commented after the court session.

According to the penal code, the crime upon conviction  carries a prison sentence of between three months and two years, depending on the nature of the case, or a fine.

The president of Musanze Grand Instance Court Izabela Riziki, presided over the case, and adjourned it until August 30 where she is expected to make a ruling.

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