Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyabihu District was joined by residents to rescue a toddler in Jomba Sector, who had been dumped in pit latrine by its mother.

The infant is said to have been dumped by its 19 year-old mother on August 26, shortly after giving birth.

Infanticide is defined under article 143 of the Penal Code, as a crime committed when a person kills their biological or adopted child – and is punished with a life sentence.

The Police Spokesperson for Western Province, Inspector of Police (IP) Theobald Kanamugire, said that the baby boy was heard groaning from the pit by the neighbors, who immediately informed police and residents in the area.

"Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after and worked with residents to hoist the child from the pit latrine alive, who was immediately rushed to Kabaya Hospital for treatment," IP Kanamugire said.

“The infant escaped but with serious harm to his health – and it is currently receiving medical attention," he added.

"The mother was thereafter located inside her house, but she was found in a serious health condition and rushed by police to Kabaya Hospital for treatment as well. The charges against her will be pursued after treatment and up on her knees," IP Kanamugire explained.

“Rwanda National Police (RNP) commends the residents who provided timely information which enabled the instant rescue of the child. In such circumstances, any slight delay can turn out to be dangerous; therefore, this rescue represents how safety and security is maintained through collaboration between security organs and residents.”

He wondered how someone can bare the nine months only to dispose of the innocent child.

He also urged parents, guardians and the general public to treat children with utmost care, and warned that mistreatment of children attracts charges including attempted murder, child neglect and failing to provide the necessities of life, according to Rwandan laws.

“Infanticide is a terrible practice that we cannot allow to persevere in our societies. Many people who give birth and dump the children claim that they were forced by poverty or public judgment, but such excuses cannot justify murder,” he said.

“Those people caught up in such dilemmas, particularly the young adults, they should seek for elderly counsel, medical help or family initiatives to ensure that their lives and their babies are safe and protected at all times.”

Statistics from the Rwanda National Police Anti-GBV and Child Protection Office indicate that between 2012 and 2014, at least 40 cases infanticide were reported, each year. At least 69 cases of parents or guardians abandoning their defendants were also recorded during the same period.

Child abandonment attracts a term of imprisonment between two to five years and a fine between Rwf20, 000 and Rwf100, 000.