Man narrowly escapes death for allegedly raping a nine-year child
KAGERA: A 29-YEAR-OLD boda boda rider, identified only as Kakuru, from Bugambakamoi Street in Bukoba Municipality, narrowly escaped death on Wednesday after being assaulted by an angry mob. He is accused of raping a nine-year-old girl.
Chairman for Bugambakamoi Street, Jovian Bishanga explained that last Sunday the suspect lured the girl child into his room where he allegedly raped her and gave her 200/-, warning her to keep silent.
The girl’s grandmother noticed unusual behaviour and upon questioning, learned about the assault. The community was alerted, and the angry mob attacked Kakuru.
Bukoba police intervened, rescuing the suspect and rushing the child to Zamzam Hospital, where she is currently recovering.
This incident highlights the alarming rise in sexual violence against children and women in the region. Kagera police reported 533 gender-based violence cases from January to September 30th, 2023, with approximately 230 of these being rape cases.
Assistant Inspector of Police Susan Kamwaga, Head of the Gender Desk at the Kagera Regional Police Station, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of such cases, especially considering Tanzania’s young population. She emphasised the need for collective efforts to address this issue.
Kamwaga urged the public to report any incidents of gender-based violence to the authorities.
In another related case, 63-year-old Hassan Ayoub, alias Dr Rubai, from Miembeni Ward in Bukoba Municipality, was arraigned in court on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl multiple times between December 2023 and September 2024.
The case has been adjourned until January 6th, 2025 for hearing.
