SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA—Local defense forces in Nyamabuye sector yesterday shot dead one of the most wanted thugs near the Gitarama taxi park.

Siliveri Bakeshayesu alias Cyugga , 23 , was shot once in his lower stomach after attempting to escape and disarm the local defense officers who arrested him at about 11 AM, security officials said.

"The young man is alleged to have escaped from Muhanga prison two months ago and security officials have been on the lookout for his whereabouts, said Spt. Claude Tembo, district police commander, just minutes after the culprit was put down.”

"We (security) have set new strategies of curbing down thugs and we hope that this will be an example to others so as to reduce the numbers of robberies and crimes in the area,” Tembo said.

Witnesses say that local defense forces interrupted the alleged criminal at Bank Populaire de Nyamabuye and ordered him to stand still before the shooting.

"I saw about five LDF dragging the deceased and later on shot him from the back side. I was also beaten by LDF officers and hurt on my leg because I saw the whole scene,” said 14-year old Samuel Nshimiyimana, complained.

The body was immediately transferred to Kabgayi hospital for medical postmortem.

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