The Gasabo Intermediate Court has sentenced Olive Mukangenzi to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of murdering a three-year-old boy in Bugesera District.
In its judgment delivered on January 16, the court ruled that Mukangenzi was responsible for the death of Gael Hilton Muvunyi, who went missing in August 2025. The court found that the crime occurred at Mukangenzi’s residence in Mayange Sector, Kagenge Cell.
Mukangenzi had been jointly charged with Evariste Nsengumuremyi, who was accused of acting as an accomplice. However, the court acquitted Nsengumuremyi, citing a lack of sufficient evidence linking him to the murder, and ordered his immediate release.
Prosecutors had alleged that Nsengumuremyi was in an intimate relationship with Mukangenzi and had facilitated the crime by purchasing alcohol for her on the day the child was killed. The prosecution had initially sought life sentences for both defendants, but the court dismissed the allegations against Nsengumuremyi.
Details of the Case
The trial was conducted publicly in the community where the crime took place. According to the prosecution, Gael Hilton Muvunyi disappeared on August 17, 2025. After a week-long search, his body was discovered in a pit latrine at Mukangenzi’s home.
Prosecutors told the court that the victim’s family were neighbours of Mukangenzi and that the child had visited her home with his mother shortly before his disappearance.
Testimonies from Mukangenzi’s own children played a crucial role in the case. During the hearing on January 16, the children testified that their mother stabbed the child in the head and neck, slammed him against a wall, and later disposed of his body in the pit latrine.
They further told the court that Mukangenzi had threatened them into silence, warning that anyone who disclosed the incident would face the same fate.
In its ruling, the court concluded that Mukangenzi committed intentional murder, warranting the maximum penalty under Rwanda’s laws governing crimes and punishments.
Defense Arguments Rejected
Mukangenzi’s defense lawyer, Anne Marie Mukandayisenga, had requested a mental health evaluation, arguing that her client’s psychological condition at the time of the offense should be considered in determining criminal responsibility.
Prosecutors opposed the request, describing it as an attempt to delay or avoid justice. The court agreed with the prosecution and found no legal grounds to suspend the trial for medical assessment, allowing the proceedings to continue to their conclusion.
KIGALI TIMES