Mother of defiled child accuses police of neglect

KAMONYI – A Kamonyi woman whose 2-year old child was allegedly defiled in August last year has expressed disappointment with Police for failing to arrest the suspected defiler.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Kezia Uwineza made the appeal to Minister Bazivamo. (Photo: D. Sabiiti)

KAMONYI – A Kamonyi woman whose 2-year old child was allegedly defiled in August last year has expressed disappointment with Police for failing to arrest the suspected defiler.

"I didn’t get immediate help from police officers even after alerting them about the defilement incident. The culprit disappeared because the police insisted that I needed to get medical evidence before they could arrest him,” Kezia Uwineza, 24, told Minister Christophe Bazivamo during his recent visit to the district.

She named the suspect as Emmanuel Kagina, believed to be hiding in Muhanga and Ruhango districts.

Uwineza, also alleges that the doctors in Mugina sector also refused to treat her child.

"My child’s health continued deteriorating since the time of the incidence. Consequently I was advised to seek help from Haguruka Association- which helped treat the child,” she said.

In response, Bazivamo tasked security organs to collaborate in bringing the suspect to justice as soon as possible.

"It is clear that there was reluctance in enforcing the law, but such a suspect shouldn’t be left to walk free with such a criminal offence. Otherwise, others of the kind will be encouraged,” the Minister said.

The Kamonyi District Police commander, Supt. Annociata Mukahigiro, explained that the case was not handled well because there was lack of clarity on details of the suspect who was only known by his nickname as ‘Gasonko.’

Supt. Mukahigiro assured the minister that the suspect would be arrested after gathering detailed information.

As a form of assistance, district officials promised to get accommodation for the mother and her child in Gacurabwenge so as to ease her access to medical attention of her child.

Ends