A three-year old girl from Gicumbi District, Byumba Sector in Gacurabwenge Cell, was yesterday pronounced dead after drinking illicit brew commonly known as Kanyanga.The victim and her five-year old sister drunk the dangerous brew at a neighbour’s home. The neighbour allegedly deals in Kanyanga, which is outlawed in the country.Coming home in the evening, the neighbour found the two children lying on the ground outside her house and sent an alarm which attracted their mother who rushed to try and save them. Unfortunately, one of the infants passed away on the way to the hospital but the older one survived.A medical report from Byumba Hospital where a post-mortem exam was taken, confirmed that the child died of alcohol intoxication.The neighbour was held as a suspect. She admits her role in selling the illicit brew but denies any allegations that she deliberately gave the neighbour’s children any. Police spokesperson, Supt Theos Badege, extended condolences to the bereaved family and warned against any tendencies of drug dealing and consumption.He highlighted the dangers of Kanyanga consumption saying that apart from being a health hazard, it was the root of domestic conflicts.“We urge Rwandans to avoid consuming this killer drink. Those involved in the brewing and selling of Kanyanga should know that Police won’t blink until they are all brought to justice,” Badege warned.According to police, consumption of Kanyanga is classified as drug abuse and available statistics show that last year, there were 2,720 cases of drug trafficking and abuse of the substance.
