The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson has confirmed the army has in custody two soldiers accused of assaulting residents of Bugesera District, saying that once investigations are complete, the suspects will be subjected to a public trial at the scene of the alleged crime. The defence and military spokesperson, Lt Col. Innocent Munyengango followed a statement by the RDF which condemned the actions of the soldiers accused of criminal misconduct against residents of Rugarama village, Nyamata Cell, Nyamata Sector in Bugesera District. The statement was issued on Friday, June 12 “The RDF strongly condemns any violation of Rwandan law, or RDF ethics and values by its personnel, Justice, security, and support for the affected community are our utmost priority.” reads part of the statement from RDF. Neither Munyengango nor the statement did not elaborate how these crimes were conducted, with the spokesperson saying that it is still the subject of a criminal investigation. However, available information indicates that one of the victims was brutally beaten. A similar incident happened in March this year, where five soldiers were arrested for assaulting Kangondo residents in Gasabo District. The five soldiers who were at the rank of private, were also charged with assaulting civilians in a Kigali neighborhood, according to military prosecution. However, they have since been arrested and the two main suspects have been sent on remand.
