One person has been arrested in connection with the Thursday murder of a 15-year-old girl in Mwulire Sector, Rwamagana District.

Hasina Uwimana, a resident of Kimbazi Village in Ntunga Cell was strangled to death in the wee hours. The body of the victim was discovered by neighbors who broke the door where the teenage girl slept after getting no response from her.

According to the Eastern Region police spokesman, Senior Superintendant Benoit Nsengiyumva, the police are in hot pursuit of a prime suspect.

"We have arrested one man so far…the prime suspect however is still on the run. But of course, it’s a matter of time and we shall get him,” he said.

Nsengiyumva said that the girl was a victim of what residents claim was a series of revenge attacks within family circles.

"The young girl was found strangled in her bed…she stayed with a father who was not in the house that night,” he explained.

"The killers were part of the extended family or hired murderers…it is alleged that the uncle of the victim had also killed a relative of the suspects. We are investigating, but can’t rule out revenge attack”.

Nehemie Uwimana, the district Mayor, who visited the crime scene, said that the death of the girl was a regrettable case in the community. He urged residents to be guided by human morals, noting that incidents of murder had reduced in the district.

"We should be ashamed that we still have inhuman acts …it is high time you stopped intrigue that leads you to murders,” he said.  

The Mayor challenged local leaders to be vigilant, adding that the suspects managed to escape due to lack of vigilance.

"Every new person in the village must be registered…I thought this was clear to all local leaders. I can’t understand how the suspects sneaked into this village and left unnoticed,” berated the population.