The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has postponed the verdict ruling in the case of dancer Thierry Ishimwe, commonly known as Titi Brown, suspected of defilement. The verdict, initially scheduled for September 22, is now postponed to October 13.
The trial will resume, providing an opportunity for both parties to engage in discussions regarding the newly submitted evidence by the prosecution before the court issues its final judgment on the case
Ishimwe has been detained since 2021, after being accused of sexually assaulting and impregnating a 17-year-old. However, it was later revealed that she underwent an abortion because she was a minor.
In previous hearings, the prosecution emphasized that a DNA sample was obtained prior to the abortion in order to compare it with Ishimwe’s DNA. However, during the substantive trial, it was shown in the medical report that the DNA samples did not match.
During the prosecution’s case presentation, they introduced multiple pieces of evidence, with a particular emphasis on highlighting the victim’s account. This played a significant role in confirming the occurrence of the defilement.
Furthermore, the prosecution highlighted the testimony of the victim’s parent, who stated that they had sent their child to spend time with relatives over the holiday period. Upon the victim’s arrival back home, she started experiencing stomach problems. It was later revealed that she was pregnant.
Since the trial began, Ishimwe has consistently pleaded not guilty, asserting that the girl came to his place to inspect the dance studio he was getting ready to open, but did not actually enter his house. Consequently, he emphasises that he neither sexually assaulted her nor got her pregnant.
Before his arrest, Ishimwe was actively involved in the music industry. He not only featured in various music videos but also directed choreographies for them.