Police in Rwamagana District have arrested a 21-year-old woman, who allegedly dumped her newborn baby boy, in a pit latrine.

Marie Odette Musengimana, a resident of Gishari sector in Rwamagana, was arrested yesterday morning, after her neighbours found a baby crying in a pit latrine, and alerted local leaders.

However, the rescue efforts were futile, after the baby died before being pulled out of the latrine.

"Musengimana is the prime suspect and has actually confessed. We are also holding a man, who aided her, to dump the baby in the latrine,” police said.

Musengimana said she grew desperate after getting pregnant and realizing that she could not provide for her baby, after delivery.

"I regret my actions and ask for forgiveness… The father deserted me after I got pregnant,” she said.

Margarita Cyurinyana, one of Musengimana’s neighbours, said that there was growing concern over the number of unwanted pregnancies in the area.

"Such pregnancies are unfortunately accompanied by HIV infection,” she said, adding that something has to be done to address the situation.

According to article 45 of the penal code, the suspect faces life imprisonment if found guilty.

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