Angry Villagers Attack Security Personnel in Rubavu District

A woman and four men have been arrested in Rubavu district bordering DR Congo following a late night attack on local officials and security personnel.

The group reportedly raided the home of Muhayimana Agnes, Umugudugu (village) head in Rukoko cell of Rubavu sector.

Their rampage was in reaction to a separate incident which happened in Cyanzarwe sector where 3 men were shot dead and 5 others intercepted on Tuesday night. They were suspected smugglers from DR Congo. (Read story here)

According to RDF Brigade 301 Commander Col Muhizi Pascal, who presented the protesting group this Wednesday morning at a village meeting, they confronted security personnel accusing them of killing their family members.

“The woman was yelling at the top of her voice encouraging the men saying…’kill them, why are they preventing us from earning a living’…,” said Col Muhizi at the meeting.

Some of the security personnel attacked sustained serious injuries from the crude weapons like sticks with nails which the suspects were using.

The village official Muhayimana Agnes who escaped unhurt said the group was extremely rowdy and threatened to kill her.

The security forces managed to over-power the gang, according to an account given later. All were arrested.

In the village meeting, only three men and the sole woman with a baby on her back were presented. There has not been information on the remaining suspect.

CIP Innocent Gasasira, the National Police spokesperson in Rubavu district told The Chronicles that the suspects have been handed to Rwandan Investigations Bureau (RIB) for further investigations and prosecution.