November 17 saw the arrest of Patrick Ishimwe and John Kalisa, a music promoter, for allegedly distributing a 10-minute intimate video of singer Yampano and her partner.
Ishimwe, also known as comedian ‘Pazzo Man’, and Kalisa John (K. John), a promoter of local artistes, are under investigation for sharing a 10-minute intimate video without Yampano’s consent.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, confirmed the arrests, stating that investigations into the case are ongoing. “Yes, and the investigation is ongoing,” he said. According to Yampano, he filed an official complaint with RIB on November 9, 2025. Two days later, Pazzo Man was arrested, followed by K. John on November 14, 2025.
In a social media interview, Yampano explained that a dispute over their living arrangements in Kanombe escalated, eventually leading to the release of her private video.
He stated that Pazzo Man had accessed his personal accounts, which allowed him to share the content online, despite the videos being deleted from his phone months earlier.
Yampano also refuted claims that Pazzo attempted to seduce her partner, emphasizing that during their time living together, each had separate rooms and boundaries were respected.
What the law says Rwanda’s Law No. 60/2018 on cybercrime criminalises the unauthorised sharing of sexual content. Article 34 stipulates imprisonment from three to five years and fines ranging from Rwf 1 million to Rwf 3 million for publishing sexual content without consent.
Article 38 addresses the dissemination of pornographic messages online, carrying sentences from six months to five years, depending on the circumstances.
The arrests of Pazzo Man on November 11, 2025, and K. John on November 14, 2025, demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to enforcing cybercrime laws and protecting individuals’ privacy online.
