UPDATE: The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has recovered the bodies of all 10 children who tragically drowned in Nyabarongo River on July 17, according to a statement by John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson.
Four bodies were retrieved on Tuesday evening, with the remaining bodies found on Wednesday, July 19.
"The police marine divers have retrieved all ten deceased victims, and the rescue operation has concluded," Kabera said.
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The Rwanda National Police (RNP) says that the bodies of four victims involved in a tragic incident that took place on July 17 in Muhanga District have been recovered from Nyabarongo River. The incident resulted in the drowning of 10 children.
According to John Bosco Kabera, the spokesperson for the RNP, four bodies have been retrieved as of Tuesday evening.
"The search for the remaining children who drowned is still underway," Kabera said.
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The Police report states that a 41-year-old individual named Jean-Pierre Ndababonye, who is currently in custody, had rented a boat to transport 13 children from the village. His intention was to involve them in unloading roofing materials in Ndaro sector, Ngororero district, with the intention to sell them.
Tragedy struck when the boat sank halfway through the journey, resulting in the survival of only three children and Ndababonye.
The victims&039; ages range from 11 to 15 years old, according to the Police.
Meanwhile, Thierry Murangira, spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), revealed that Ndababonye is currently in custody while authorities actively search for Innocent Banganyiki, a 30-year-old individual who is also implicated in the incident.
Murangira disclosed that the suspects are facing two charges, including involuntary manslaughter and engaging in prohibited work involving a child.
Ndababonye rented a boat from Banganyiki for the transportation of 13 children. Tragically, only three children survived out of the total 13 who were on board.
"The suspect is currently being held at the Muhanga RIB station, while his co-accused is still on the run. The investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the missing individual," he said.
If convicted, the duo could face a sentence ranging from six months to two years for manslaughter. Additionally, they may be required to pay a fine of Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 2 million. In the case of engaging in prohibited work involving a child, the jail sentence is two to five years, with a fine ranging from Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 5 million.