The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) announced the arrest, on October 18, of Jean Bosco Sengabo, alias Fatakumavuta, a former TV host who is being investigated for, among others, offenses of cyberstalking and public insult. According to RIB, Sengabo’s arrest came after numerous warnings which he disregarded and continued to use social media as a platform for breaching legal and ethical standards. He is detained at Kacyiru RIB Station. ALSO READ: RIB warns against cyberstalking RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira told The New Times that social media platforms should not be used for criminal purposes but rather as a tool for productive endeavors, given the numerous opportunities they offer. “Any individuals engaging in illegal activities whether in the context of entertainment, sports, evangelism, or other fields, will be subject to prosecution in accordance with the law,” said Murangira. Rwandan law prohibits various forms of cybercrime, including cyberstalking. A 2018 law on prevention and punishment of cyber crimes was enacted to address the misuse of digital platforms and protect citizens from online harassment, threats, and other harmful behaviors. According to Article 35 of the law, cyberstalking involves using a computer or computer system to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone with the intention of causing distress or fear. ALSO READ: Gasogi United player arrested for blackmailing, cyberstalking This could be done in several ways that include, displaying, sharing, or publishing indecent content, such as documents, images, or videos, that could cause harm or distress to another person. “Taking unauthorised pictures, videos, or audio recordings of someone, especially when done with malicious intent and the display or distribution of information in a manner that substantially increases the risk of harm or violence to any other person, commits an offence,” the law highlights. Cyberstalking extends beyond just social media activity, as many people often assume. According to Maurice Haesen Kajangwe, a cyber security expert, it can occur in various settings, where someone uses private information or secrets about another person to manipulate them. He said: “This could involve making demands for money or forcing the person to perform certain tasks, whether in the workplace or in the household. “The threats may include exposing sensitive information to employers, family members, or spouses if the victim does not comply. This broadens the scope of cyberstalking, demonstrating that it can impact victims' personal and professional lives in ways that go beyond online harassment.” ALSO READ: Cyberbullying, sharing of nudes to be criminalised At times, Kajangwe said, people may fabricate false information about someone, and because the victim lacks the means to prove their innocence, they often feel forced to comply with the demands of the other party. “To effectively curb the growing trend of cyberstalking, it is essential to encourage victims to come forward and report any instances where they are being threatened using personal information. Mobilizing these individuals to seek help from RIB will not only bring offenders to justice but also raise awareness about the seriousness of such crimes,” he said. Individuals convicted of cyberstalking in Rwanda face legal penalties that include imprisonment; a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years in jail, and fines between Rwf1 and Rwf2 million.
