Rwanda Investigation Bureau has confirmed the arrest of Gasogi United defender Marc Govin Nshimiyimana on charges of blackmail, cyberstalking, and distributing pornographic images of his ex-girlfriend. RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira confirmed to The New Times that Nshimiyimana was arrested on September 23 after his girlfriend filed a complaint alleging that the player shared nude photos as an act of revenge after their breakup. “Nshimiyimana faces charges of blackmail, cyberstalking, and publication of pornographic images through a computer system, Murangira said in an interview on Thursday, October 3. He further warned the public that, “These offenses carry serious penalties under Rwandan law, and individuals who share such content, especially as an act of revenge, will face prosecution.” The player’s case file has now been submitted to the prosecution on September 30, Murangira said. If convicted, Nshimiyimana faces multiple charges that could end in imprisonment. According to Article 129 of the Rwandan law on offenses and penalties, blackmail carries a potential sentence of one to three years in prison and a fine of between Rwf 100,000 and Rwf 300,000. And if he is found guilty of cyberstalking, as per Article 35 of the Cybercrimes Prevention Law, he could face six months to two years in prison and a fine ranging from Rwf1,000,000 to Rwf 2,000,000. The publication of pornographic images, as per Article 34 of the same law, could result in a sentence of three to five years in prison and fines between Rwf1,000,000 and Rwf 3,000,000. RIB has issued a warning to social media users, reminding them that distributing explicit images, whether for revenge or personal gain, is a criminal offense.
