50-year-old rape suspect pleads guilty

A 50-year old man, yesterday, pleaded guilty to raping a 60-year old woman.Appearing before the Intermediate court of Nyarugenge, Saidi Habimana said that he raped Immacullee Mukamugema, when the latter sought shelter at his house in Biryogo, a city suburb.According to prosecution, represented by Eugene Nsanzimfura, Habimana forcefully had sexual intercourse with Mukamugema at his home.Nsanzimfura told court presided over by Magistrate Damascene Gasana that Mukamugema had come from Nyamagabe District to visit her relatives, who were Habimana’s neighbours, without knowledge that they had relocated.Habimana then allegedly told the victim to spend a night at his house, promising to take her to where her relatives had relocated to the following day.At night, Habimana forced her into sex, said Nsanzimfura.The defendant, however, first refuted the claims, saying it was mutually agreed upon.“We had agreed that I pay her Rwf1, 000; but I managed to raise only Rwf500, which forced her to change the story saying that I raped her,” said Habimana.Habimana, however, immediately changed the testimony after the judge tasked him to explain why he keeps changing his statements.“Yes, I lied; I raped her, but forgive me…I am nothing; be lenient,” he said, sending the court into laugher.Prosecution requested for a maximum 15-year jail term.The magistrate adjourned the case to June 6, when the verdict will be read.In a related development, prosecution sought a 10-year sentence of one Thatien Ntawukirundabishaka, who is facing theft charges in the same court. The ruling was also set for June 2.

National

50-year-old rape suspect pleads guilty