NYAMASHEKE – Two suspected thugs are currently under police custody in Ruharambuga Sector, Nyamasheke District, after allegedly shooting dead a local businessman.

Eyewitnesses said the incident took place shortly after midday on Monday, and identified the victim as Evariste Harinditwari, 40. Authorities in the area identified the suspects as Joseph Munyaneza and Jean Baptiste Ntegerejiyaremye.

 It is alleged that the duo had travelled from Kigali with the intent to kill and rob.

"It was slightly past midday when the man was shot. He was returning from the market after selling his cows,” Etienne Mwenese, an eyewitness narrated.

Mwenese said that, prior to the incident, the suspects were overheard hatching their plan.

"Shortly before hearing the gunshots, the two men were moving around bragging how they intended to forcefully get money with the help of their gun,” he claimed.

Marie Rose Nyirazigama, the area Sector Executive Secretary, said angry residents rounded up the thugs and wanted to lynch them before police intervened.

"Police intervention saved the thugs from what would have been mob justice because the residents were very angry,” Nyirazigama said.

The district Mayor, Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, said such crimes were uncommon in the district, but added that more vigilance was needed.

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