The Kigali-based High Court has postponed to March 31, the hearing of an appeal case involving the former organiser of Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, Dieudonné Ishimwe, who is popularly known as Prince Kid. Prince Kid, who is the founder of Rwanda Inspiration Back-up, the firm that organised the beauty contest, is battling charges of rape and soliciting sexual favours after prosecution appealed against his acquittal by Nyarugenge Intermediate Court. Initially, the appeal was expected to be heard on Friday, March 10, but according to Emeline Nyembo, one of the defence lawyers, the hearing was pushed to March 31. No reasons have been given for the extension. Ishimwe who was arrested in early 2022 was, on December 2, 2022, acquitted of all charges and was immediately released. However, prosecution filed an appeal challenging the decision by the lower court. ALSO READ: Miss Rwanda organiser acquitted The alleged offenses were according to prosecution, committed against former Miss Rwanda contestants during different years. ALSO READ: Inspiration Backup dismissed as govt announces changes to Miss Rwanda Last year while delivering the verdict, the presiding judge said the prosecutors failed to present compelling evidence to the court to secure a conviction of the Miss Rwanda organiser on any of the alleged offences. On December 2, following passing the ruling the court ordered his immediate release from prison after being in jail since April 26. ALSO READ: Prince Kid legally weds Miss Rwanda 2017 Elsa Iradukunda Meanwhile, recently Ishimwe legally wed Miss Rwanda 2017 Elsa Iradukunda the two are reported to have been dating since 2020 and according to family sources, the duo will have other marriage ceremonies in Kigali later this month.
