The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) is investigating an incident in which a man was killed and his mother severely injured in a night attack on a family in Rwamagana District. 

The attack, which happened on Monday, January 11, took place in Umurinzi Village, Munyiginya Sector.

How the attack happened

Richard Niyomwungeri, the Executive Secretary of Munyiginya sector says he was called by citizens at about 11:30 PM, informing him that a house belonging to Rumanzi Rushimisha was on fire.

"I went there with DASSO officers. By the time we reached the scene, we found that citizens had done a good job to extinguish the fire; but unfortunately, Rumanzi’s wife had died in it, and Rumanzi himself was badly hurt by the fire but was still alive,” he said.

He says there were two little children in the house but they were not really hurt by the fire since it was mostly in the room of the husband and wife.

Niyomwungeri and the other rescuers called for an ambulance to take the injured to hospital, but before it could arrive, he says two angry young men (identified as brothers of Rumanzi’s wife) stormed the home with pangas.

Having seen them, the citizens around fled the scene, but some who were able to see what happened afterward testified that the two young men attacked Rumanzi and cut him with pangas, along with his mother who had come among the rescuers.

Moments later, Niyomwungeri came back to the scene with police and other citizens, and they found Rumanzi badly injured by panga-cuts.

"We managed to put him in an ambulance and he was rushed to Rwamagana hospital. Unfortunately, moments later, we were told that he had died.”

Niyomwungeri says there are reports that Rumanzi and his wife had marital problems.

And that he had left his home, living in a neighbouring place.

It is also thought that the two brothers of Rumanzi's wife stormed his home, accusing him of starting the fire in which their sister died.

Rumanzi’s mother is alive, but she sustained some injuries in her shoulders due to the panga-cuts.

RIB says they have arrested one Emmanuel Semana, who is suspected of having perpetrated the crime and is being held at the Kigabiro RIB station in Rwamagana. 

RIB investigating motive

Johnston Busingye, the Minister for Justice, also commented on the incident via his Twitter, asking citizens to stay calm as security organs pursue the matter. 

"The problem that occurred in Rwamagana, Munyiginya sector, Umurinzi village last night is being investigated by the responsible institutions. Let us stay calm as the investigations are being done so that we may know the truth...May God strengthen those who lost their loved ones,” he said.