RWAMAGANA – A 19-year-old man in Musha sector, Rwamagana district, was on Wednesday arrested for allegedly defiling a 3-year-old child, police confirmed.  

Célestin Habimana, alias Pupuri, a resident of Nyakiriba village is alleged to have committed the crime on Wednesday - when the child’s parents and other family members were out for work.

He lured the child, names withheld, with sweets and led her to a nearby hideout, according to police.  

The matter came to light after parents were tipped by neighbours and called authorities. 

"My wife and I are completely devastated by what has happened to this young child. Our worry now is that he could have infected our daughter with HIV/AIDS,” the child’s parents lamented. 

Police said child defilement was a serious crime.
"We are surprised by the incident. When we talk of child abuse, the issue of child defilement and rape come first,” a police officer said, warning of tough measures against child abusers. 

The suspect was by press time supposed to be subjected to compulsory HIV test at Rwamagana Hospital, to determine his status.

The suspect’s punishment is meant to be tougher if found to be HIV-positive.

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