KIGALI - State prosecution has requested the High Court to uphold life sentences handed to two men accused of defiling and sexually molesting their 3-yr and 9-yr old daughters respectively.

Gabriel Habimana, 52, is accused of multiple defilement of his 3-year old daughter between 2007 and 2008.

While a former soldier only identified as Bagirubwira, 40, is accused of defiling and injuring his 9-year old daughter.

The duo was yesterday appearing before the High Court in Nyarugenge appealing against the life sentences handed to them by a lower court.

According to Prosecution, the two men are using excuses to do with misunderstandings with their wives to elude justice.

Prosecution said the witnesses and medical tests confirmed the sexual acts on the minors in separate incidents and the girls also testified against their fathers.

"If I was one of these men, I would have committed suicide over the shameful act or readily plead guilty before courts of law but I wouldn’t have the guts to appeal against the ruling, therefore this court should uphold the life sentence so that the society can learn from such a case.” said Augustine Nkusi on behalf of the State Prosecution.

The two men appealed to have the sentence overturned claiming to be victims of blackmail by their own wives resulting from long-standing family feuds.

They will have to wait until August 31st   to know their fate when the High Court reads the final verdict of the case.

Gabriel Habimana, a resident of Musezero, Gisozi Sector in Gasabo District is said to have been molesting the daughter since October 2007 but the wife, Announciata Nibagwira could only confirm her suspicions in April 2008 after discovering that her 3 year daughter was traumatised.

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