In a significant ruling, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has sentenced Assoumpta Mutatsineza, a 25-year-old woman, to life imprisonment for her involvement in the murder of her husband, Theogene Twagirayezu.

Four others, namely Alphonse Uyisenga, Vianney Rubabaza, Evariste Ndizihiwe, and Athanase Habiryayo, were also convicted for their roles in the crime. The tragic incident occurred in November of last year, when Twagirayezu was discovered lifeless in their residence in Kanombe sector, Kicukiro district.

The presiding judge, delivering the verdict on May 12 at the crime scene, explained that there was compelling evidence to establish Mutatsineza's culpability in the murder. While not directly responsible for Twagirayezu's death, each defendant played a distinct role that ultimately led to the fatal outcome. As per the law, all the defendants were deemed to have participated in the crime.

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Throughout the investigation led by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and the subsequent trial, all the defendants admitted their guilt. They provided detailed accounts of how they executed the crime, asserting that any inconsistencies in their statements should be disregarded. The defendants maintained a consistent version of events during the investigation, confirming their premeditated plan to kill Twagirayezu, which was eventually carried out on November 21 after several failed attempts.

During the hearing on May 17, the prosecution disclosed that Mutatsineza had allegedly confessed to her involvement in her husband's murder, along with Uyisenga. Her motive, according to her confession, was her lack of affection for her husband during their marriage. The prosecution presented evidence supporting the claim that Mutatsineza engaged in an extramarital affair with Uyisenga, suggesting that her husband's death was intended to facilitate their union.

The court learned that Uyisenga enlisted the help of Rubabaza to poison Twagirayezu, promising a payment of Rwf 1.5m. The remaining two suspects were implicated as accomplices in the crime.

During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that Twagirayezu was killed in their bedroom, where he suffered blows from a hammer and stab wounds from knives.

The prosecution revealed that the suspects made two attempts on Twagirayezu's life. First, they tried poisoning him by feeding him dog meat. Then, on November 19, they made another attempt, but he miraculously survived.

However, Mutatsineza recanted her previous confession and pleaded not guilty, claiming that she had only admitted guilt under duress. She argued that her husband was killed while she was away from the house, implying her unawareness of the murder.

While Uyisenga, Rubabaza, Ndizihiwe, and Habiryayo acknowledged their involvement in Twagirayezu's death, the specifics of their actions differed from their initial testimonies.