Police parade three men filmed in machete attack on woman

By The Inspirer.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Rwanda National Police paraded three men before the media after they were captured on video assaulting a woman with a machete.

Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga identified the suspects as Gatari Edmond, 38, who wrestled the victim, Nyampinga Claudette, to the ground; Hakizimana Jacques, also known as Claude, 33, a resident of Kivugiza, who slashed her with a machete and concealed it inside his shirt; and Jean Paul Rurangwa, also known as Mucezaji, 40, a resident of Nyarufunzo in Mageragere Sector, who pelted stones at those attempting to intervene and at a vehicle that honked to draw attention.

Rutikanga explained that the suspects were arrested separately, but each time one was caught, the others were alerted. They even instructed their wives not to disclose their whereabouts.

During the assault, a community security guard, Maniriho Théogène, tried to rescue the woman but was struck by Rurangwa, sustaining injuries to the head and arm.

Both Claudette and Maniriho were rushed to hospital, treated, and later discharged, though they remain under medical follow-up.

According to police, after committing the crime, the three regrouped at a nearby school before dispersing to their homes when they realized the video footage had gone public.

They again warned their wives against providing any information to the authorities.

The men were arrested on the night of Friday, September 12. They face charges of assault and violence, with police noting that two of them are ex-convicts.

Investigations also revealed that they had planned further acts of violence in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District.

Rutikanga praised residents who provided timely information, especially the individual who filmed the attack and those who tried to intervene.

He said their efforts helped foil the suspects’ plan to kill and rob the woman, who had already been stripped of her Sony mobile phone.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects had accomplices.