Bugesera: Suspect arrested in connection with the death of genocide survivor

By The Inspirer 

The Rwanda National Police has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the death of Chantal Muhongerwa, a woman who survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The incident occurred in Ntarama Sector, Bugesera District.

On the night of April 4, 2025, Muhongerwa was brutally killed in Kanzenze Cell, Ntarama Sector, Bugesera District. She was reportedly attacked with sharp objects and other traditional weapons.

Residents of the area said the murder was particularly cruel, suspecting the use of traditional weapons in the killing. One of them stated,

“She may have been killed with knives or other traditional weapons because there was blood along the path where she was dragged to the place we found her.”

A local resident who was among the first to arrive at the scene said he had initially found a wallet with identification documents near the body while collecting grass. He returned the wallet to its owner, only to later discover the woman had been killed and disemboweled.

The community is now demanding that whoever is found guilty of the crime be held accountable under the law.

The Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi, told Kigali Today:

“Someone was indeed killed last night—this is not a rumor. Preliminary information indicates there is no direct connection to the Genocide, although the victim was a Genocide survivor. The suspect appears to have committed the crime while attempting to steal money the woman had borrowed from a bank. That’s what we know so far, but investigations are still ongoing.”

Rwanda National Police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect:

“We received the report and have already apprehended one individual suspected of being involved in the incident. He is currently being held at the Nyamata Police Station as investigations continue.”