The Military Court, yesterday, handed a life sentence to Private Jean-Pierre Nshimiyumukiza, 23, and Private Claude Ishimwe, 21, after convicting them for the murder of one Aime Yvan Ntivuguruzwa in Gikondo, Kicukiro District.

The two were also found guilty of conspiracy to murder, shooting without lawful orders, abandoning their posts and damaging private property.

It emerged in court that the victim was shot several times by the two soldiers, who were on patrol, while they also mistreated his wife who allegedly did not carry any identification papers.

The military court, chaired by Maj Charles Sumanyi, heard that the incident occurred at SGEM neighbourhood on the evening of May 9.

As Ntivuguruzwa tried to stop the two soldiers from beating his wife, they and shot him seven times; three times in the head, three more times in the stomach and once in the rib cage.

The wife ran into nearby bar calling for help as the soldiers chased her inside where a scuffle ensued as they tried to kill her and in the process damaged some equipment.

Both Ishimwe and Nshimiyumukiza denied the charges, saying they shot the victim after he tried to attack them.

Nshimiyumukiza and Ishimwe were found guilty of five counts of conspiracy in murder, damaging property, shooting without order, theft, and abandoning post of duty.

On top of the life sentence, they were ordered to pay damages worth Rwf18,100,000 to the bar owners and relatives of the deceased.

They have 30 days to appeal the sentence. 

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