A special court in Nyanza, Rwanda, has begun hearing a human trafficking case involving two university students, Irandukanda David and Gasangwa Oscar. The two are accused of various crimes, including human trafficking, forgery, and other related offenses. The case was brought to court after a complainant, Mugabo, testified against the accused. Mugabo claimed that he was recruited by Irandukanda to work in China with promises of a better-paying job.
According to Mugabo's testimony, he was approached by Irandukanda, who was his friend, on social media. Irandukanda had posted about job opportunities abroad and asked Mugabo to help him recruit people. Mugabo claimed that he was promised a job and a higher salary, but when he arrived in China, he was forced to work in poor conditions. He also claimed that he was asked to recruit two other people to replace him, which he could not do.
Mugabo described his experience in Laos, where he was first taken, as terrible. He claimed that he was subjected to physical abuse, including being electrocuted, and was forced to work long hours without pay. He also claimed that he was not allowed to leave the workplace and was only able to communicate with the outside world through phone calls. Mugabo's testimony was emotional, and he broke down in tears during the hearing.
Irandukanda has admitted to recruiting Mugabo to work abroad but claims that he did not promise him a job or exploit him. He stated that he has a business that recruits people to work abroad and that Mugabo was aware of the terms of his recruitment. However, Irandukanda denied that he had promised Mugabo a job or a higher salary. The court has decided to continue hearing the case in November.
The case has highlighted the issue of human trafficking in Rwanda, where many people are lured abroad with promises of better-paying jobs, only to find themselves in exploitative situations. The Rwandan government has been working to combat human trafficking, and this case is seen as a significant step in that effort. The court hearing has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of university students who may be vulnerable to recruitment by traffickers.
The accused, Irandukanda David and Gasangwa Oscar, were arrested in January 2025 and have been held in detention at the Nyanza prison. The court has heard testimony from several witnesses, including Mugabo, and is expected to hear more evidence in the coming months. The prosecution and defense teams will present their cases, and the court will deliver a verdict based on the evidence presented.
The case is ongoing, and the court has adjourned the hearing until November. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the fight against human trafficking in Rwanda. The court will determine whether the accused are guilty of the crimes charged and, if so, what penalties they will face. The case has also raised awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and the need for vigilance and cooperation to prevent it.
Key points
- The case involves two university students accused of human trafficking and related offenses.
- The complainant, Mugabo, testified that he was recruited by one of the accused with promises of a better-paying job in China.
- The court has adjourned the hearing until November, and the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the fight against human trafficking in Rwanda.
