Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Ernest Babonampoze, 64, from Buhaza Cell, Rubavu Sector in Rubavu District. He is suspected to have defiled three children from different families in the area.

Residents told The New Times that the defilements happened on Sunday, March 1, and the suspect was arrested the following day after they shared information with local leaders and security organs.

The victims are six, seven and nine-year-old girls.

 "Our children were playing around a kraal from where the perpetrator was looking after his boss’ cows. We had the girls shouting and then we rushed to where they were playing. That’s when we realised that they had been defiled,” a parent to one of the victims told The New Times.

The suspect is a herdsman at a farm that is near the victims' homes.

Marie Michelle Umuhoza, the Spokesperson of RIB, confirmed the arrest, saying that the suspect was being detained at RIB's Gisenyi Station in Rubavu District pending further investigation.