NYAGATARE – A member of the Local Defence was on Wednesday morning hacked to death by unknown assailants in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District.

Police said Jean de Dieu Maniraguha was killed by suspected dealers in illicit brew in Kabeza Village, Rukomo, who he allegedly wanted to arrest.

"He was tipped off that a group of people had illegally crossed into the country from Uganda, carrying with them large quantities of Kanyanga (a local brew). He hoped to intercept them but he was overpowered,” said a police source in the area.

Police, however, also blamed the deceased for not informing other security organs to help him in his attempt.

"These people are always armed with machetes and, sometimes, guns. He should have informed us so that we carry out the operation together.”

According to residents, many people cross the border to Uganda for illegal transaction in illicit brew.

"He is not the first security personnel to be killed or injured by drug dealers,” said one of the residents.

Police were still hunting the suspects by press time.   

At the weekend, an operation against the illegal brew dealers in Kayonza District turned violent when machete wielding dealers chased away the district vice Mayor and a police constable.

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