SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — A Genocide suspect who had eluded arrest for 12 years, this Wednesday handed himself over to police in Muhanga.

Dionise Nyandwi, 56, reportedly spent 12 years hiding in the rafter of their house fearing Gacaca trial. Gacaca court officials said the suspect was wanted until Wednesday when he surfaced.

But, he had on September 21 2007, been sentenced in absentia by the traditional court of Muyange in Mushishiro sector -Muhanga district, to 17 years imprisonment.

He was found guilty of killing three residents (Mukankomeje, Mukakarera and Nteziryayo) during the 1994 Genocide in which about one million Rwandans died.

Speaking to journalists after appearing, Nyandwi confessed to the charges, saying the Genocide was an organized move to exterminate the Tutsi.

He admitted participating in the attacks that claimed the three residents but in particular accepted responsibility for the death of one of the victims -a young girl, whose names he claimed he could not  recall.

He said: "My wife (Deborah Musabyimana) was instrumental in inducing me to come out of my hideout and testify on the Genocide crimes. I have always felt guilty of the crimes and wanted to face justice and seek forgiveness from victims and community.”

However, residents who talked to The New Times were skeptical about his hideout; with some speculating that he may have been in rebel activities over years.

"The physical appearance doesn’t reflect a person who has been hiding in the house for 12 years. He does not appear pale-brown or bear any physical changes. This brings doubts of where he has been…maybe he is a rebel,” said Vedaste one of the residents.

The concerned residents implored security agencies to investigate his claims. In response, CIP Bertin Rutsindura, the District Police Commander, said that their appeal would be considered and equally lauded residents’ role in community policing, identifying criminals, and working hard to ensure security.

Ends