A 21-year old woman, has been arrested for allegedly killing her baby after giving birth. The suspect, name withheld pending judgement is a resident of Rugendabari sector, Burera District. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy last Thursday. According to the Police preliminary investigations, the suspect strangled and buried the baby in her parents’ farm two days later. The suspect now held at Rusarabuye Police Station, was still living with her parents at the time of the alleged crime. The suspect was reported to the police by neighbours, who had seen her with the pregnancy. She confessed to the crime, saying she had no means to look after the child. The tot’s body was exhumed by Police for post-mortem. Superintendent (SP) Emmanuel Hitayezu, the Northern Region Police Spokesperson condemned the act and encouraged girls to abstain until they are ready to give birth. He also urged parents to spare time and advise their children on how to live a better life. Killing of a biological or adopted child is termed as infanticide under the Rwandan penal code, and is punishable with a life sentence under article 143.
