By The Inspirer.

The body of 30-year-old Bariyanga Alphonse, a suspected notorious thief, was discovered in a vacant house located in the Kabuga trading center, Karambo Village, Kabuga Cell, Mukura Sector, Rutsiro District. It is suspected that he was beaten to death, as his body showed signs of severe bruising.

According to residents of the trading center, it is believed that Bariyanga was fatally beaten and his body was later dumped in the vacant house by his attackers.

Claude Nshimiyimana, who provided the information to Imvaho Nshya, said the body was discovered by a 24-year-old man who had stepped out of a bar to relieve himself near the house. The man peeked into the house and noticed someone lying on the floor. Upon closer inspection, he realized the person was dead and alerted others, who quickly identified the body.

“We recognized him immediately. He was a notorious thief who operated in the Mukura and Rubengera sectors and even extended his activities to Karongi town. Whenever suspicion arose, he would relocate to another area. We suspect he may have been killed by fellow thieves after a disagreement over stolen goods or by victims of his theft who decided to take matters into their own hands. Alternatively, he could have been caught in the act of stealing, killed, and then dumped in that house overnight so that those who knew him would find out about his fate and stop searching for him.” He said.

While these scenarios are speculative, Nshimiyimana added that the deceased had terrorized residents for a long time with his thefts.

The body was immediately taken to Murunda Hospital for an autopsy. Residents have requested that the findings be communicated to his family to clarify the exact cause of death.

Mukura Sector Executive Secretary Emmanuel Ndayambaje confirmed the discovery of the body in the vacant house, adding that it is suspected the man was killed in Rubengera and his body moved to Mukura.

“Yes, the body of this man was found in a vacant house in the Kabuga trading center. It is suspected that he was killed in Rubengera by unknown individuals and brought to this house in Mukura Sector. Reports suggest he may have been killed by those he stole from, but the details will be determined by the investigation and medical examination. Those who identified him said he was a notorious thief, but it’s still unclear if his death is directly connected to his criminal activities.” He stated.

Ndayambaje urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, whether dealing with a thief or anyone who commits illegal acts. He emphasized that disputes should be reported to the authorities, and unresolved cases should be referred to the justice system to avoid facing penalties for mob justice.

The deceased’s body reportedly had multiple injuries and bruises consistent with being severely beaten, which is believed to have caused his death.