Man charged with defilement, murder of girl

A 22-year-old man in Gicumbi District has been charged with the defilement and killing of a girl.Thoneste Nyaminani is accused of defiling and later drowning Christine Tuyishime in November, last year.

Saturday, November 02, 2013

A 22-year-old man in Gicumbi District has been charged with the defilement and killing of a girl.Théoneste Nyaminani is accused of defiling and later drowning Christine Tuyishime in November, last year.In a public court session convened in Rulindo District by Gicumbi Intermediate Court, yesterday, the acting chief prosecutor, Azarias Nsengimana Rwagasana, said the accused met his victim on the road, raped and then drowned her.The hearing, at Rulindo District headquarters, attracted a huge crowd. The mood in court was somber with some people shading tears after listening to a chilling testimony of the incident.The public hearing was to help residents follow the proceedings and know the gravity of the crime, according to officials.The accused is a farmer and a resident of Taba Cell in Burega Sector."Nyaminani was drinking beer at a nearby pub and spotted Tuyisenge pass-by. He followed her and demanded to have sex with her. When she refused, he raped her and later drowned her in River Musine,” said Prosecutor Nsengimana.The prosecution asked the court to hand the accused life imprisonment, arguing that he committed two crimes.Nyaminani, who had no lawyer, admitted to the accusations and said he was ready to serve whatever sentence court hands him. He claimed that he acted under the influence of alcohol.Jean Bosco Rutagengwa, the vice president of Gicumbi Intermediate Court, who presided over the hearing, said the court will pronounce its ruling on November 15.Meanwhile, the same court heard the case of Wellars Ndacyayisenga, 21 who is accused of murdering an 11-year-old girl.Prosecution alleges that Sandrine Umutoniwase  found Ndacyayisenga stealing beans from her grandmother’s store in Bushoki Sector in August and used a hummer to kill her to destroy evidence.Ndacyayisenga also admitted to have committed the crime, for which the prosecution is seeking life imprisonment. The ruling is also set for November 15.The families of the deceased are demanding reparation of Rwf5.5 million, but the accused said he has no means to pay.