Two people were over the weekend killed in Kamonyi District in what police said could have been triggered by wrangles in mining companies in the area.Among those killed is Major (retired) John Sengati, the manager of John Sengati Limited, a mining company dealing in coltan. The other victim was identified as Emmanuel Hitabatuma, who deals in sand. Hitabatuma is said to have been stoned to death by his employees last Friday in Gasharara village, Kagina cell in Runda sector while Sengati was shot dead on Saturday in Gishyeshye cell in Rukoma sector at about 7:30pm, according to a police statement.Sengati was apparently in his vehicle enroute to Kigali from his mining site in Rukoma when assailants ambushed him and shot him in the head and chest.Rwanda National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege, who confirmed the tragic incidents, said Sengati’s murder could have been triggered by financial conflicts between him and other company members.“So far four people have been arrested in connection with Sengati’s murder and investigations are still underway,” ACP Badege said, adding that all those arrested are members of John Sengati Limited.ACP Badege also explained that two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Hitabatuma.“The mining sector is one of the forces driving the country’s economy, and people involved should get organised, define their roles and abide by the labour law to avoid such unwanted deaths,” ACP Badege stated.“Investigations are still underway to arrest all those involved in the double murder to face justice.”
