Mbarushimana Théoneste, a 30-year-old teacher who handles Primary 5 and 6 at GS Nyarubuye A in Twumba Sector, Karongi District, has been arrested after a 17-year-old student, Niyokwizerwa Solange, accused him of sexually abusing her and causing her pregnancy.
A fellow teacher told Imvaho Nshya that the girl decided to report the matter to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at the Twumba station after attending recent “Family Month” discussions focusing on children’s rights. These sessions encouraged students to speak out whenever they experience any form of abuse, especially sexual violence, and to seek help from relevant authorities rather than keeping silent.
The colleague explained that the girl, who is currently five to six months pregnant, had initially attempted to hide both the pregnancy and the offender. However, after the awareness sessions, she immediately went to RIB and filed a complaint against the teacher, who had been married to a fellow teacher for only five months. Police arrested him on November 12 while he was teaching.
Family members of the girl told Imvaho Nshya that the teacher may have taken advantage of her vulnerable home situation. They said her father has two wives and the household is often filled with conflict, making it difficult for the girl to access basic needs, including school-related necessities. One family member said they suspect the teacher lured her with small items, and that she was sometimes seen visiting his home even before he got married, often when his wife was away. They noted that now that the case is in the hands of the authorities, the truth will be established.
Karongi District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Pascasie Umuhoza, told Imvaho Nshya that the news shocked and saddened district leaders. She noted that the teacher had been legally married only in June this year. She confirmed that the moment the complaint was filed, he was immediately arrested and is currently detained at the RIB Twumba station.
She emphasized that the Family Month discussions had a significant impact in the district, as they empowered the girl to fight for her rights instead of remaining silent about the abuse she suffered. She added that the sessions have also helped resolve various family conflicts.
Umuhoza said that a teacher who sexually abuses a student betrays the honorable values expected of educators. She praised the girl for her courage and urged parents not to mistreat her because of the pregnancy, stressing that investigations are ongoing and she must not be denied her right to education.
She reminded the public that defilement is a serious crime with severe penalties. She urged teachers to protect the children they educate, and called on the school and the girl’s parents to support her. She also encouraged other girls to be brave and speak up instead of hiding abuse from people who may try to exploit and destroy their future.
