Two men, identified as Frank and Henock, were shot dead in Kamonyi District in the early hours of Monday, September 30, 2024.
Police have confirmed the incident, stating that the two men were suspected thieves, known in the community for their repeated involvement in criminal activities.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga confirmed the deaths and announced that an investigation is ongoing.
“It is true that there were thieves shot dead in that area. They are deceased, and we are continuing the investigation. I thank the public for their cooperation and urge them to continue sharing sufficient information as we pursue this case,” he said.
The shooting took place around 5:00 am in Bwirabo Village, Kabagesera Cell, Rugarika Sector. One local resident, who spoke to reporters, said they saw the bodies of Frank and Henock that morning while delivering goods.
According to the resident, the two had long been terrorizing the neighborhood, with Henock having been arrested several times for robbing people inside their homes. “People were afraid to walk at night because of them,” the resident added.
Another community member described how the suspects would first hold a knife to the victim’s throat before demanding money, often threatening to kill if the demands were not met. The men had reportedly spent time in a center for vagrants due to their criminal activities before being released back into the community.
The shooting has raised awareness of the high rate of theft in the country. According to recent reports from the Office of the Prosecutor General, theft remains the most prevalent crime in Rwanda, accounting for over 50% of criminal offenses.
The Prosecutor General, Angélique Habyarimana, also pointed out that many of those committing these crimes are young people.
Police have emphasized that investigations are ongoing to uncover further details surrounding the incident.
