A military tribunal on Tuesday, December 3, began the trial of Sergeant Gervais Minani, who allegedly fatally shot five civilians in Nyamasheke District on November 13.

Held in public, the trial began in Karambi Sector, where Minani committed the alleged crime.

Minani, 39, faces charges of premeditated murder, unlawful use of a firearm, and destruction of military property.

The prosecutor requested the jury to sentence Minani to life imprisonment for the murder charge, five years for the theft and damage to military equipment, and one year for the unlawful use of a weapon.

The verdict will be delivered on 9 December.

Minani was arrested by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) immediately right after the incident, which happened in a bar in Rushyarara cell.