The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has taken swift action in response to the tragic death of Shema Christian, a 15-year-old student at ‘Petit Seminaire Zaza’ high school in Ngoma District. Four individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case.
Incident Details
Shema Christian died on June 14 after allegedly being assaulted by fellow students. The altercation reportedly arose from accusations that Shema had failed to return chairs to the dining hall. According to witnesses, Shema was hit with a stick and kicked in the stomach during the confrontation.
Arrested Suspects
The RIB’s statement identified the arrested individuals as:
- Egide Tuyizere, 20: A senior five student at Petit Seminaire Zaza.
- Armel Murenzi, 18: Another senior five student at the same school.
Both Tuyizere and Murenzi face charges of assault and willfully injuring a person, which resulted in Shema’s death.
Charges Against School Staff
In addition to the students, the RIB has also detained:
- Father Alexandre Nkomejegusaba
- Father Jean Bosco Mbonigaba
These staff members are charged with neglecting to assist a person in danger. Despite being informed of Shema’s severe condition following the assault, they allegedly dismissed it as a mere sickness and failed to act promptly.
Legal Implications
According to RIB, the suspects have confessed to their crimes and are currently detained at Zaza RIB Station. Their case files are being prepared for submission to the Prosecution Office.
Penalties for the Students
If convicted, Tuyizere and Murenzi could face severe penalties under Article 121 of the Rwandan Penal Code. This article states that if assault or battery leads to death, the penalty is imprisonment for a term of not less than fifteen (15) years and not more than twenty (20) years, along with a fine ranging from five million (Rwf 5,000,000) to seven million Rwandan francs (Rwf 7,000,000).
Penalties for the School Staff
Fathers Nkomejegusaba and Mbonigaba could be charged under Article 244, which states that failing to assist or seek assistance for a person in danger is a punishable offense. If convicted, they face imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than three (3) years, and a fine ranging from three hundred thousand (Rwf 300,000) to five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (Rwf 500,000).
RIB’s Commitment
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in this case and has issued a stern warning against crimes of assault and neglect.
Next Steps
As investigations continue, the body of the deceased has been sent to the Rwanda Forensic Institute Authority for a postmortem. The results of this examination will be crucial in the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
This tragic incident highlights the serious consequences of school violence and the importance of immediate and appropriate responses from authorities and school staff. The RIB’s prompt action serves as a reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities held by both students and educators.
Comments 1