Gakenke Police arrest two over murder

Police in Gakenke District are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a 30-year-old man. The incident occurred in Gisozi Cell, Nemba Sector on Wednesday. The suspects are being held at Gakenke Police Station.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Police in Gakenke District are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a 30-year-old man.

The incident occurred in Gisozi Cell, Nemba Sector on Wednesday. The suspects are being held at Gakenke Police Station.

Andre Hakizimana, the Northern Province regional Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the murder.

Hakizimana said investigations are ongoing to find other suspects involved.

The suspects were identified as Alex Gasasira, 31, and Emmanuel Habarugir, 27, both residents of Nemba Sector.

Hakizimana said the duo is suspected to have been hired by the prime suspect, who is still at large.

The prime suspect, whose identity Police did not reveal, is said to have accused the deceased, Ethienne Hitimana, alias Mashaija, of stealing his kitchen materials on Easter eve.

Those arrested on Wednesday dragged the deceased to the prime suspect who beat him up to death, according to Police.

Police said those arrested are being treated as accomplices because the victim was beaten up under their watchful eye.

"We are still investigating the matter, we have arrested two and we are still looking into the case to identify other suspects,” Hakizimana said.

Hakizimana urged the public to always seek justice from relevant authorities instead of taking the law in their hands.

Murder is a capital offence that attracts life in prison upon conviction.

Both suspects admitted seeing Hitimana and taking him to the prime suspect but denied being hired and having any involvement in the murder.

They claimed that they ‘arrested’ him as responsible citizens because he was a thief.

However, Police maintained that the suspects acted together to search the victim and was killed in their presence.

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