WESTERN PROVINCE
 
NYAMASHEKE — Grief engulfed Kagatamu cell in Bushenge sector, Nyamasheke district, when the body of the murdered Genocide survivor, Séraphine Uwankwera (50) was laid to rest.  

The late Uwankwera was buried  at Kagatamu cemetery on Tuesday, April 14, afternoon amid tight security in a ceremony that brought together her children, relatives and genocide survivors.

According to Police sources, Uwankwera a resident of Kagatamu cell was killed on Sunday evening and dumped on the roadside.

Police sources further indicate that she was murdered as she was coming from Gashirabwoba Genocide Memorial site within Bushenge sector where she had joined others to attend a genocide commemoration function where some of her relatives who were killed during the genocide are buried.

Uwankwera was found lying in a pool of blood on Monday morning by a 15-year-old girl who later reported the incidence  to the Bushenge police station.

Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the deceased’s children, Claudette Nyiramwiza (26), condemned her mother’s killers and called upon the government to bring to book those involved in her death.

"Though our beloved mother has been killed in a brutal way by some people who want to cover-up what they did against the Tutsi in this area during the 1994 Genocide, I want to assure everyone at this funeral that the truth shall always prevail and remain the same and we as children and family members of the deceased call upon the government to arrest all those who are  involved in her killing,” said Nyiramwiza.

Speaking to The New Times shortly after the burial, Nyiramwiza also condemned the area residents for not coming to the deceased rescue after it is said that she raised alarm at the time she was under attack. She further alleged that it seemed the attack  was well planned.  

She also reveals that her mother has been facing harassments  and even intimidation from genocide suspects in the area.

Laurence Mukayiranga, a niece to the deceased added, "It’s really a shame and a hurting incident for such an old lady to die in such a manner.”

The function was also attended by the Nyamasheke District Vice-Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Catherine Gatete and Nyamasheke District Police Commander Superintendent Jean Marie Vianney Rurangirwa.

The public officials both urged the residents to fight against genocide ideology and ethnic divisionism which seemed to be prevalent in the area.     

Two of the suspected killers, including her husband, Joseph Munyankindi (72) and Anaclet Nsanzinshuti who was released on the presidential pardon after serving 8 years at Cyangugu central prison have been arrested in connection with her murder and they are currently detained at Shangi police post.

Ends