SOUTHERN PROVINCE

KAMONYI — Police in Kamonyi district is investigating a case in which three girls were allegedly kidnapped, and later released by unknown men recently.

Justine Muregatete, Claudine Nyirabyasi and Jeanine Vahano were allegedly kidnapped by four men while returning home from farm work.

The girls told The New times that their kidnap followed numerous threats from their kidnappers. The girls claim that they were held in the same house for three consecutive days; and released after their kidnappers heard that their parents were mounting a search.

They claim their kidnappers’ motive was to marry them.
Sources in the area said cases of kidnapping girls were not isolated; that some successful marriages in the area started that way.

While it is illegal, it was noted that some girls too prefer that method of initiating marriage, "than waiting forever for a husband who may never come your way.”

Elderly residents talked to said marriage is so craved in the area that single life is considered a ‘curse’ for people of either gender; which promotes desperate moves.

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