The incident took place on Wednesday 10th February 2021 around 7am in Bizenga village, Kibogora cell, Kanjongo sector in Nyamasheke district.

The executive secretary of Kanjongo sector, Cyimana Kanyogote Juvenal has said that the deceased was a Samaritan who rushed save the child.

“The man dived to rescue the child who fell in the river but was unfortunately washed away before intervening. The child fell in the river as he passed by its banks. The deceased was not a relative to the child but a kindhearted resident who wanted to save the child,” he said.

“There were many residents around. They also dived and rescued the child but failed to trace the man. The river was flooded due to heavy rain,” added Kanyogote.

The rescued child was taken to Kibogora Hospital for medical attention. The river flows into Lake Kivu.