Police in Kisoro district are dealing with a defilement victim who disputes her parents’ testimony about her age. Lucky Irakiza, the daughter of James Nteziyaremye from Chihe parish in Nyakinama sub-county, is a senior three student at Seseme Blessed Girls Secondary School in Kisoro District.
According to Boaz Arinaitwe, the community liaison officer of Kisoro police, 17-year-old Lucky Irakiza was found at Country Side B Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024, with the suspect Joel Kitimbo, a resident of Matete in Sembabule District. Arinaitwe added that immediately after their arrest, both parties gave statements. Drama ensued when the victim, Lucky Irakiza, engaged in a heated argument with her father over her age. Her father, James Nteziyaremye, claimed she was 17 years old, but Lucky Irakiza contradicted him, insisting she was 18 years old and ready for marriage to her soulmate.
Police confirmed to Kisoro FM that the victim had been previously suspended from school due to frequent absences. Police are currently uncertain about their next steps as the victim has refused to leave the police premises, leaving her lover behind.
“Our reporter secured an interview with the victim, Lucky Irakiza, at Kisoro Police. Irakiza vowed not to leave the police premises without her lover, stating she would wait for her hopeful husband no matter what,” said the reporter.
Regarding her dismissal from school, Irakiza admitted being expelled on June 22, 2024, after missing roll calls. She explained she spent about five days in hiding in Chuho before returning home on June 26, 2024.
“I had arranged to meet my boyfriend, Joel Kitimbo, on Saturday,” she boldly stated. “It’s difficult for me to leave my beloved in trouble when I willingly offered my soul,” Irakiza added.
Joel Kitimbo, the troubled boyfriend, appealed to the police to consider Irakiza’s statements and allow them to proceed with their future plans.
