KIGALI - The Executive Secretary of IBUKA, an umbrella body of Genocide survivors, Friday lamented the increase in the murder of Genocide survivors.

While talking to The New Times by phone, Benoit Kaboyi said that this year 15 survivors of the 1994 Genocide have so far been killed with another in severe condition at CHUK. He added that after burying one two weeks ago on a Saturday, another was killed the following Monday.

Kaboyi said: "In not more than a week, two genocide survivors have been murdered. The problem is; up to now they are still dying, which makes it serious. Everyone has to help and ensure severe punishment for those involved in the killings.”

A most recent death of a Genocide survivor was in Gasumo village, Impala Cell, in Bushenge Sector of Nyamasheke district.

Maxim Niyibizi, 39, was hacked with machetes by unknown assailants on Tuesday night last week. It was reported that police preliminary investigations suggested that Niyibizi may have been killed by Genocide suspects and their accomplices who don’t want their acts in the 1994 Genocide revealed.

Another Genocide survivor, Emmanuel Ndishimye from Rugarama cell, Gatsibo district was also burnt with petroleum and is now undergoing treatment at CHUK.

Kaboyi acknowledged efforts by the security bodies to ensure security of survivors, but noted that justice should prevail as well.

"Security bodies are doing their work, what is remaining is for those in charge of punishing the criminals. If arrested, they should be punished in order to discourage others with similar ideas,” he suggested. He criticized the way criminals are dealt with, saying that they continue repeating the crime because some are released from prisons.

For those who are punished, punishment is light that people are not afraid of committing the same crimes. He pointed out that killers should not continue living in the society because they poison it.

The Executive Secretary of Gacaca Court, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, said that when a Genocide survivor is killed as a result of being a witness in Gacaca courts, it affects the running of the courts.

"It might discourage witnesses because it has a psychological effect, if the murder is a result of being a witness. People might not want to witness,” she noted.

Mukantaganzwa however said that not all the killings are due to being witnesses though most people normally relate it to that.

"It needs scientific proof since sometimes people say it is related to that when it is not,” she proposed. 

In a press release signed by Theodore Simburudali, security bodies were asked to tighten the security and fight against the continued plan of Genocide. They requested judicial authorities to punish those involved in the killings without delay.

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