The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has scheduled the final verdict ruling for the high-profile case involving renowned dancer Thierry Ishimwe, known as Titi Brown, who stands accused of defilement. The verdict date is confirmed for November 10. The case drew attention from the outset, with the defense team proposing that the trial be held in camera. This request stemmed from concerns that the accused, a notable figure in the entertainment industry, was continuously attracting media attention, leading to incidents such as the public disclosure of the victim's identity. ALSO READ: Titi Brown’s verdict adjourned as new evidence surfaces During the recent legal proceedings, the prosecution introduced new evidence, including a video depicting the alleged victim and Ishimwe together in a living room at the dancer's residence. Ishimwe, however, maintained that he had never seen this video and suggested it might have been taken without his consent or manipulated to frame him. Moreover, the prosecution presented a psychological evaluation conducted by an expert clinical psychologist, which indicated that the victim had suffered from depression as a result of the ordeal. In response, Ishimwe's defense questioned the validity of the report, asserting that it was performed years after the events and should therefore be disregarded. Ishimwe’s lawyers demanded compensation from the victim's family. Given Ishimwe's estimated monthly income of approximately Rwf2 million, the defense sought Rwf44 million as compensation for the earnings he might have accrued since his arrest. The prosecution had previously emphasized the collection of a DNA sample prior to the victim getting an abortion, intending to compare it with Ishimwe's DNA. However, it was revealed during the trial that the medical report indicated a discrepancy—there was no match between the two DNA samples. Throughout the trial, Thierry Ishimwe consistently pleaded not guilty, contending that the girl had visited his place solely to inspect a dance studio he was preparing to open. He maintained that she did not enter his house, and he denied any allegations of sexual assault or responsibility for her pregnancy. Thierry Ishimwe has remained in detention since 2021, following accusations of sexual assault and impregnating a 17-year-old girl. It later came to light that she had undergone an abortion because she was a minor. Before his arrest, Ishimwe was a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry. He featured in numerous music videos and was known for his contributions to choreography in the sector. With the final verdict set for November 10, the legal proceedings surrounding Titi Brown's defilement case are expected to conclude, providing clarity and closure to a case that has captured the attention of many people.
