Gacaca closes shop in Karongi district

KARONGI – The traditional courts (Gacaca) which were mandated to try Genocide cases yesterday ended its activities in Karongi district. “We are left with one case which I hope will be completed today [yesterday]. Most of our team members have gone out to help in solving cases in Rutsiro district where there is still a backlog,” Alphonse Ruzindana, the overall Gacaca president in the district told The New Times. Ruzindana could however, not readily give the details of the categories and total number of cases disposed of, including the convictions, arguing that he needed time to first consult all sectors before unveiling a final report. What is left is the re-trial of a Genocide fugitive who had been sentenced in absentia to a 30-year jail term and who was arrested early this month. Jean Baptiste Rugwizangoga, alias Sekanuma, had been on the run for two months, trying to evade justice. Ends