Nyagatare Intermediate Court sentenced a 48-year-old man in Gatsibo District to life in prison after finding him guilty of murdering his wife.

The court sitting in Rwimbogo Sector, the scene of crime, on Wednesday found Emmanuel Niyibizi guilty of killing Jacqueline Mukampirwa 40.

He is reported to have committed the crime on January 12.

Court presided over by judge Dany Hategekimana heard that the convict waylaid the deceased on her way from accompanying their daughter-in-law who had visited them.

He wrestled her down to the ground- and as the victim yelled for help, he cut her twice with a machete on the head and neck killing her instantly, according to prosecution witness.

Witnesses narrated that the victim was carrying a child on her back at the time of her death, rescuers found the baby sucking blood from the mother who was bleeding profusely.

Reading the verdict, judge Hategekimana said prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Niyibizi had murdered his wife.

Before this tragic incident, according to the offender’s brother and neighbour, Venant Ntahompagaze 52, the couple was embroiled in domestic wrangles over paternity of the young child.

At one point the deceased had fled to her father-in-law’s place for several days before returning after mediation talks.

"He accused his wife of adultery but we didn’t believe him. It was just hearsay,” said Ntahompagaze.

The convict had earlier been arrested after cutting the victim on the hand but the primary court of Kiramuruzi set him free.

By the time of her death, the victim had filed for divorce in the primary court of Kiramuruzi.

But Ntahompagaze said no one expected that the wrangles would escalate to murder.

The acting Mayor of Gatsibo Emmanuel Nzabonimpa condemned the incident and advised local leaders to be keen on handling family wrangles before they escalate.

"I ask the leaders on village and cell level to follow up on the evening parents meetings locally called ‘Akagorobak’Ababyeyi’. It’s the best way we can spot sources of crime,” said Nzabonimpa.

Reacting to the verdict, some residents welcomed it while others dismissed it as lenient sentence.

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