Rwamagana-A football coach accused of sexually molesting children was Thursday formally charged at the Kigabiro Primary Court.

Felicien Imanishimwe, alias Emmanuel Masembe, who made a 30-minute court appearance was remanded at Nsinda Prison for 30 days pending further investigations.

Prosecution alleges that the 37-year old duped children into his house where he sexually abused 12 boys.

All the victims are less than 10 years old.

Prosecutor Ellen Mukeshimana demanded the pre-trial hearing to be conducted in camera, saying the crime compromised the Rwandan culture.

The case was then conducted in the presence of a few distraught parents.

Quoting articles 33 and 34 of the Penal Code, the prosecutor clearly articulated the sex charges and other related crimes committed against the children.

Prosecution said the suspect’s acts traumatised the children, made them vulnerable to further evils, besides exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases and abusing their rights.

"Medical reports have proved that at least two of the children were sexually abused. But beyond that, the accused committed other related crimes against the children.

I request the court to remand him for 30 days, to pave way for further investigations,” she said.

"At first, only four children had filed complaints, the number later grew to 12...who knows, there could be more complaints from other children”.

The nervous suspect wearing a blue T-shirt constantly spoke in a hushed tone, prompting the presiding judge to order him to raise his voice. He, however, denied the charges.

In a related incident, the court remanded Jean Baptiste Nsekanabo, 30, a resident of Kigabiro in Rwamagana to Nsinda Prison for allegedly defiling a 12-year old girl.

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