NYAMAGABE - The Police in Nyamagabe have arrested ten people in connection with the gruesome murder of a woman and her three children, last Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Stephanie Nyirantiruswa and her three children; Innocent Sikubwabo, aged 9 months, Jean de Dieu Nkundimana, 5 and Evariste Nzabonimpaye, 8, residents of Buruhukiro sector.

Police suspect that the murder was carried at around 11.00 pm while the victims were sleeping.

What is shocking is the fact that all the suspects are very close family members.

Police believe that the murder could have been fueled by family wrangles.

"Preliminary investigations show that this largely a polygamous extended family with a history of feuds. They have been characterised by an immeasurable hatred which could have led to this gruesome act,” security source at Gasaka Police Station where the suspects have been detained said.

Sources said, Fidele Habimana, the head of the family was out of the house at the time of the attack, he returned the next day only to find bodies lying in a pool of blood.

Those detained include Habimana’s father; Felicien Nzagibwami, his half brother; Martin Bamporiki, his step mother Florida Kampogo, Emmanuel Sehuku, Josephine Nyiranizeyimana, Vincent Rwigema Cyprien Teganya and Donat Niyogira.

Also detained are Bamporiki’s wife; Servellien Mukansanga and their son Innocent Mbarubucyeye aged 14.

At the Gasaka Police station, Bamporiki’s son; Mbarubucyeye admitted to have been sent on a mission by his father hours before the murder took place.

"My father sent me to Habimana’s house late Sunday afternoon. I was told to hide under the bed so that I could open for him when he comes at night,” said the 14 year old.

He added: "I did exactly that. Deep in the night I heard a knock on the door and I opened as instructed. My father entered the house with other people whom I could not readily identify save for one, Donat, I don’t know what happened after because I left immediately.”

This is the second time that such a catastrophe has befallen Habimana. In 2007 his elder son – 11 year old Innocent Hakizimana was beheaded. Three people (family members) were found guilty of the crime and were sentenced to life in prison.

According to police, the suspects’ files have been handed over to prosecution and they  will soon be arraigned before court. 

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