The arrest of Habiyaremye Zacharie, widely known as Bishop Gafaranga, has been officially confirmed by Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). He announced: “On May 7, 2025, RIB arrested Pastor Gafaranga, 35, on allegations of gender-based violence (GBV).”
Bishop Gafaranga is currently detained at the Nyamata RIB station while investigations into the allegations continue. The RIB is actively pursuing inquiries to uncover the truth about the charges brought against him.
Rwandan law outlines strict penalties for gender-based violence (GBV) and emphasizes the protection of dignity, safety, and rights for women, men, and children. Various forms of GBV are explicitly defined, including verbal abuse, physical aggression, and non-consensual sexual acts.
1. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
GBV includes several offenses, such as:
- Verbal harassment or derogatory remarks
- Unwanted physical contact
- Engaging in non-consensual sexual acts
- Using intimidation, threats, or professional authority for sexual exploitation
Rwandan law strictly prohibits sexual harassment, which involves repeated actions or words aimed at degrading, intimidating, or shaming an individual. This offense is covered under Article 136 of the Penal Code, with severe consequences for offenders.
Penalties:
- Imprisonment ranging from six months to one year
- Fines between 100,000 and 200,000 Rwandan Francs
- For employers or individuals in positions of authority, penalties increase to imprisonment of one to two years and fines ranging between 200,000 and 300,000 Rwandan Francs
2. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, often occurring between spouses, encompasses actions such as withholding financial support, physical and emotional abuse, verbal degradation, and marital rape.
Penalties:
- Depending on the severity, imprisonment ranges from two to five years or more for cases with severe consequences
3. Fraudulent Use of Family Assets
Misusing or selling family assets without the consent of a spouse is recognized as fraud under Rwandan law.
Penalties:
- Imprisonment spanning three to six months
- If the assets are recovered before a legal verdict, the sentence may be adjusted
Rwandan law’s stringent measures against gender-based violence aim to uphold respect, security, and equality within society, affirming that such offenses will not be tolerated. The developments in Pastor Gafaranga's case will continue to attract scrutiny as investigations unfold.