Nyamagabe Intermediate Court has handed life sentences to three men charged with murdering three young girls and severely injuring a boy.

Gaspard Ukwizagira, aka Nyamacenga, Felix Ntibitonda and Emmanuel Nzasabimfura were on Tuesday found guilty of murder and theft.

The shocking incident occurred late last year in Nyarwungo Cell, Nkomane Sector in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province.

The hearing of the case opened about a fortnight ago and was held from the area where the crime was committed in a move court officials said was intended to help area residents follow the proceedings.

The court heard how on December 29, 2013 around mid-day, the trio murdered three little girls in cold blood and injured their male counterpart, before taking two goats and one sheep the victims were looking after.

The children were stabbed to death and had deep cuts on their throats and stomachs, court heard.

The victims were identified as Emerence Uwizeyimana, 8, Marie Nyiranzacahinyeretse, 10, and Marguerite Mukashema, 10. A fourth child, Simeon Ndabamenye, 12, sustained severe injuries after being stabbed and left for dead, the prosecutor said.

One of the suspects pleaded guilty to the murder while the other two denied any role though their co-accused maintained they acted together.

Prosecution had pushed for a maximum sentence, which was delivered by the court. It was not clear by press if the trio would appeal the rulings.