KARONGI — Police in Karongi District are holding a 42-year old man for allegedly defiling his eight-year old daughter.

Innosi Kayishema was arrested, early this week, after he was reported to local authorities by area residents who suspected he was having sex with his own daughter.

"Several neighbours and some of his relatives alerted the local administration and we immediately intervened,” Police said.

Yesterday, some of Kayishema’s neighbours told The New Times that since divorcing his wife over six months ago, the suspect gradually developed a weird behaviour towards his children.

"After separating with his wife, it became increasingly clear that his children were no longer happy. The girl had on several occasions raised complaints,” Vincent Musabyimana, a resident said.

However, Kayishema vehemently denied the accusations even when medical examination on the child indicated there was penetration.

Further investigations are ongoing and, if convicted, Kayishema could face life in jail.

In a related development, four men in the same district were, last week, convicted of rape and sentenced to various jail terms by Karongi Intermediate Court.

Janvier Nsengiyumva, David Ngabozurwanda and one Musemakweri were handed six years each, while Nzisabira Dusabimana was handed life imprisonment after he was found guilty of defiling a nine-year old girl.

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