Alleged killer-rapist arraigned in court

RUBAVU- A man, who allegedly defiled and killed a 16 year old girl and two other minors in cold blood in Rubavu District, last August, has admitted to the murder and rape charges brought against him at the opening of his trial. Appearing before Rubavu Intermediate Court on Wednesday, Damascene Manizabayo, pleaded guilty to all the charges of rape and murder. Court heard that Banizabayo, defiled a girl names withheld before killing her and the other two year old victims. Manizabayo, who appeared with his lawyer Augustine Rwabigwi, argued that he committed the crimes under the influence of evil spirits. However, prosecution produced a medical report which indicated that Manizabayo committed the crimes when he was in good health. Prosecution wants the court to sentence the accused to 45 years in prison for defilement and life imprisonment for murder. “We hereby ask court to sentence Manizabayo to 45 years in prison for defilement and life imprisonment for murdering innocent children. This is particularly a grave matter as the accused was hired as a house help to look after the victims,” said Faustin Nkusi, the prosecutor from Musanze Court. Court presided over by Judge Dickson Shoneri set November 17, 2009 for the ruling at Musanze Court. Ends