Senior officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), yesterday, visited and offered condolences to the family of a young man who died from injuries inflicted by a soldier Sunday night.

Brig Gen Dr Ephraim Rurangwa, in-charge of administration and personnel at RDF headquarters, and Brig Gen Dr Emmanuel Ndahiro, commandant of the Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, led a delegation that visited the family of the deceased in Ubumwe Village, Rubirizi, Kanombe Sector, in Kicukiro District.

Maj Dr Aimable Rugomwa Mupenzi was arrested by Military Police on Monday and is likely to face charges related to manslaughter.

Mupenzi is alleged to have severely injured Theogene Mbarushimana, 18, after he hit him with an object on the head.

The suspect is reported to have claimed that he believed the deceased was a thief, prompting the attack.

Mbarushimana was taken to Rwanda Military Hospital, but he succumbed to head injuries while receiving medical attention at the emergency section.

While commiserating with the family, the RDF officers listened with compassion as Jean Pierre Gahutu, the deceased’s paternal uncle, recounted the upsetting events on the fateful day when his nephew was killed.

The officers assured him that everything possible will be done to get to the bottom of the matter and that justice will definitely prevail.

Gahutu told journalists that the family was profoundly touched by the RDF’s gesture and support.

"We buried him in Gicumbi District. The family’s wish now is that justice is done; we wish for investigations into his death. We are heartened by the gesture of support by RDF. It is encouraging for sure and we trust they will do their best to ensure justice is served,” Gahutu said.

"We sent the young man on an errand, as usual, but we were later shocked to learn that he had been killed in the neighbourhood while on his way back home.”

According to the acting Defence and Military spokesperson, Lt Col René Ngendahimana, the suspect, along with his elder brother who also allegedly had a hand in the incident, are now under arrest as investigations continue.

"It is so unfortunate to lose a young man who was still in school and looking forward to better things for himself, his family and nation,” Ngendahimana said. 

"Killing citizens is not in the RDF culture and ethics. Our duty is to protect them.”

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