NGOMA-A 58-year old man in Ngoma District is in police custody after he allegedly killed two people who tried to restrain him from battering his wife.

Wielding a machete, the suspect, Augustin Nyiribakwe, is alleged to have also seriously injured three other people.
 
The incident took place in Mfuni village, Gituza cell in Rukumberi sector.

The deceased Flavia Kankindi, 59, and Daniele Hitiyaremye were killed when they tried to stop the suspect from beating his wife, Jeannette Uwimana, 22.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at around 9 p. m., left area residents in shock.

Nyiribakwe attempted to flee but was arrested by Ngoma Police.

According to the family’s neighbours, the suspect had a history of violence.

Claudette Nyiramata, a teacher residing in the area, said the killings left the entire community shaken with grief.

The Rukumberi Sector Executive Secretary, Venuste Bisangabagabo, said the suspect has been in and out of jail since 1990 over felony charges ranging from harassment to assault and burglary.

"The man had a long criminal history...in fact, the wife would have died if the neighbours had not intervened. We have organised an impromptu meeting to alert the community,” he said.

Francois Ntiyotwagira, the Mayor of Ngoma District strongly castigated the killings.

He told a grief-stricken crowd that people domestic violence of any kind, which normally culminates into murder, must be halted.

"This behaviour is unacceptable and the suspect will face justice,” he said.

Police is still investigating the incident.

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