‘Traditional healer’ held for raping patient

A man said to be a self-styled traditional doctor in Ruhango District has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman who was seeking his traditional services to conceive a child.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A man said to be a self-styled traditional doctor in Ruhango District has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman who was seeking his traditional services to conceive a child. John Singirankabo, who is currently detained at Nyamagana Police station is said to have raped 19-year old, (names withheld) after spraying her with toxic substances that left her unconscious.The incident happened on Tuesday when the victim together with her husband, invited Singirankabo to their home to save their two-year childless marriage.The victim’s husband, whose names have also been withheld, left the duo at home and went to work.On returning home hours later, however, he found the traditional doctor, red handed, raping her wife, the victim was unconscious at the moment.The husband locked them in the house before calling neighbours after which his unconscious wife was rushed to Kabgayi Hospital.Witchcraft itself is not punishable under Rwandan law, but if the substances used are found to be toxic, it is criminal. Police Spokesperson Supt. Theos Badege, warned the public to desist from seeking traditional medical services."Rwandans shouldn’t practice or believe in witchcraft because it has consequences,” noted Badege.He advised them to utilize the health insurance scheme to seek medical services at their nearest health facility.