Bukavu—14 June, 2013

Rape of children is on the rise in South Kivu.

“ I have not seen such horror since 2004. Children are coming to the hospital in extreme critical conditions,” said Denis Mukwege, Medical Director of Panzi General Referral Hospital.

According to hospital’s forensic doctor, 12 children ranging in age from one-and-a-half to nine years old were violently raped in Kabare and Mwenga Territories in South Kivu Province since the beginning of May 2013.

In each case, the modus operandi is similar: children are abducted from their homes, raped in the bush and then abandoned. Two young girls died following these inhumane acts. Others have been found with severe gynecological wounds.

Local medical centers referred to Panzi where appropriate, quality care is provided to the children.

Investigative police and the Chief Prosecutor Office’s of Uvira have opened cases regarding these serious crimes. As of today, three alleged perpetrators are in custody. Two have confessed their offense, according to police sources.

“Mobile courts should be established without delay to give justice to the victims, hold the criminals accountable and expose who is behind these atrocities,” said Mukwege.

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