Maj Gen (Rtd) Dr. Richard Rutatina was on Friday, January 10, handed a three-month suspended prison sentence by Kiramuruzi Primary Court in Gatsibo District after being found guilty of complicity in an assault case. The incident involved the assault and serious injury of a man called Jean Bosco Ndayishimiye who was, as reported, temporarily incapacitated during the assault. The court ruled that Rutatina would serve the suspended sentence over a one-year probationary period. The retired general was also fined Rwf500,000. The court also found co-defendants Ismael Sindayigaya and Annet Irasubiza guilty. Along with Rutatina, they were ordered to jointly compensate the victim with Rwf10 million in damages. On November 27, 2024, Rutatina allegedly instructed his employees to assault Ndayishimiye, who had spent a night at the former's house in Kayonza District while visiting an employee at the retired general’s ranch. Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on December 6 confirmed the arrest of Rutatina and 10 of his farm employees following investigations into an assault on a person, on his orders. The victim of the assault, it was reported, had spent a night at Rutatina's farm in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District, while visiting one of the employees, earlier on November 27. Prosecution later charged Rutatina along with some of his employees. They include Félicien Niyibizi, alias Rasta, Jean de Dieu Habumuremyi, alias Kazungu, Gerald Mutungirehe, Dan Ntabanganyimana, alias Kidamage, Casmir Bucyensenge, and Samson Rwema, were all convicted of willful assault causing harm. The court issued different suspended prison sentences and fines for each of them. Two others; Théoneste Bagorwanubusa and Lameck Mupenzi were found guilty of failing to assist a person in danger. All the convicts were collectively ordered to pay the compensation amount to Ndayishimiye but they were exempted from covering court fees due to their being in detention during the proceedings. They have a right to appeal within 30 days. Rutatina retired from the military in 2016, having previously served as the Head of Military Intelligence for Rwanda Defence Force. The law allows for retired military personnel to be tried in civilian courts.
