A 21-year-old man is in police custody in Rwamagana district for allegedly defiling a four-year-old girl.

The suspect, who was arrested last week, was caught red handed by the child's mother, police said.

The girl was playing hide and seek with her friends and, in the process, she went to hide in the bush where the man followed her and defiled her, according to police.

When the mother saw the ugly incident, she called for help and took the alleged defiler to Nzeyi Police station, Rwamagana.

If convicted, the suspect faces life imprisonment according to article 191 of the new Rwandan penal code. Rape and defilement could cause serious harmful effects such as trauma, infertility, sexually transmitted diseases, contraction of HIV/AIDS and might even result into death.

Meanwhile, two children aged 9 and 5 were arrested for 'having sex' with a two-year old baby in Karenge sector, Rwamagana.

Superintendent Benoit Nsengiyumva, the police Spokesperson for the Eastern region said defilement is the fourth top crime in the province while drug abuse comes second.

"Defilement is one of the top most crimes committed in this area and most of the culprits are drug abusers. We are, however, working hand in hand with the community to curb these crimes. The public should always alert us and other leaders when such incidents happen," he said.

Nsengiyumva said the minors who were allegedly involved in the sexual act will undergo counselling since they cannot be arrested or severely punished as they, too, are children.