At least two people were killed and eight others seriously injured when thugs attacked homes in Ntunga and Musha villages in Rwamagana District on Wednesday night.

The deceased were identified as Egide Nugwanyi and Metusela Mbarushimana.

Police said the thieves, armed with machetes and other traditional weapons, disappeared with undisclosed number of items and cash from houses.

The Eastern Province Police Spokesperson, Supt. Christophe Semuhungu, said 10 suspects were arrested and are helping the Police with investigations.

"It is unfortunate that lives were lost. We can assure the residents that the act was only robbery, done by a group of wrong elements. But no one will escape the long arm of the law,” he said.

Mayor Nehemie Uwimana urged residents to intensify vigilance.

"The thieves first attacked Ntunga Trading Centre, where they were repulsed by watchmen. They moved to Musha where they killed the two people and injured several others,” Uwimana said.

Most of those in custody were identified by local people as neighbours of the victims. Some were arrested when they went for treatment at a local health centre after they were also injured in the scuffle.

The mayor reassured residents, saying security would be beefed up.

"The public should stand firm and fight evil people among them. The majority of the suspects migrated from Rusizi. We need to try and assess newcomers into our communities,” Uwimana added.

Medics at Rwamagana Hospital, where majority of the injured are admitted, said most of the victims had deep wounds.

Others injured by the thieves were still getting treatment at Musha Health Centre by press time.