Police in Rubavu District are investigating circumstances under which robbers broke into a local savings and credit cooperative and killed an unarmed guard and severely injured another in an overnight robbery.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 2 a.m at Kanzenze Umurenge-Sacco, when robbers attacked and stabbed the two guards.

Supt Emmanuel Hitayezu, the Western Province Regional spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying they were still carrying out investigations.

"They (suspects) jumped over the fence and stabbed two guards who were on duty before they broke into the bank; one guard died immediately while another one was rushed to Gisenyi hospital,” said Hitayezu.

The deceased was identified as Daniel Harerimana, 34, while the injured is Wenceslas Byukusenge, both area residents.

According to Police, the robbers thought both guards had died and broke into the bank but could not get access to the money as it was kept in a safe. They only managed to get away with four computers and small electronic devises.

Hitayezu added that that robbers had no fire arms and the incident could have been stopped had the bank had well-equipped guards.

He urged those with information that can lead to the robbers’ arrest to share it.

"We have urged financial institutions to employ competent companies with necessary equipment and alarms as is done in other banks to avoid robberies and possible fatalities like this,” said Hitayezu.

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