Two people were killed over the weekend in Karangazi and Ryabega Sectors of Nyagatare District, Police confirmed yesterday.

Jeanne Mukakamanzi, 52, from Karangazi, was killed by unidentified assailants who covered her face and slaughtered her.

While Elissa Maniragaba, 26, from Ryabega, was stabbed in the abdomen after a quarrel with a minor in the neighbourhood.

Police have arrested the 16-year old suspect over Maniragaba’s death.

The incidents happened on Friday and Saturday, last week. Police are still carrying out investigations to establish the causes of the murders, the Force said.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday the Eastern Region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said the elderly woman was killed at around 7:30pm on Saturday at her home.

"She was home with an 8-year old child while her husband was away attending a wedding. The child was the first to see the killer and dashed inside to call the mother, when she came out she was immediately attacked and killed,” Kayigi said of the murder.

"Investigation is underway to find out the killers and their motive. Her neighbours said the deceased was a Christian who had no conflict with any person.”

Maniragaba’s death

Kayigi said that Maniragaba was making samosas in the house where the suspect was employed as a housemaid.

"The suspect wanted to forcibly enter Maniragaba’s workplace which triggered a quarrel and in the ensuing fight, the suspect stabbed him in the abdomen,” he said.

Kayigi suspected the duo could have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Police recovered 18 litres of illegal gin (Kanyanga) from the suspect’s employer’s home, he said.

Kayigi said 83 per cent of reported crimes in Eastern Province are mainly linked to drugs and illicit brews which are mostly smuggled from neighbouring countries, particulary Uganda and Tanzania.

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