Gicumbi teacher accused of instructing pupils to beat classmate who later died

By UMUSEKE.

A tragic incident in Gicumbi District has sparked outrage after a teacher was accused of ordering primary school pupils to beat a fellow student, an assault that allegedly led to his death.

The incident occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, at GS Rumuri, located in Museke Village, Gakenke Cell, Miyove Sector. According to information gathered by Umuseke, the teacher in question—identified as Nibagwire Caline, 35—allegedly instructed six fourth-grade students, aged between 14 and 15, to assault their classmate over a school meal dispute.

Local authorities reported that the victim, a male student, had come to school to eat lunch despite having missed class that day. It is alleged that this prompted the teacher to direct her students to punish him for attempting to share food not intended for him.

Security personnel, including the Rwanda National Police, RIB, the military, and DASSO, responded swiftly to the school. They met with Muhikuzo Samson, 39, the school’s Director of Studies, who confirmed that the deceased had been attacked by his peers inside the classroom.

“The students said they were following the teacher’s instructions to beat their classmate because he came to eat without attending class,” Muhikuzo told Umuseke.

The assault reportedly involved kicks and slaps. While trying to escape the beating, the victim fled and tragically fell into a 1.5-meter-deep drainage ditch near the school. Sindikubwabo, a 29-year-old resident, rushed the injured student to a nearby health center on a motorcycle. However, the student was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Twagira Dan, head of Miyove Health Center, confirmed the student had no major visible injuries but noted minor bruises on his chest, possibly caused by the fall.

Following the incident, the six students believed to be involved were taken into custody at Byumba Police Station. The teacher, Nibagwire Caline, was also detained for questioning.

The body of the deceased was transported to Byumba Hospital and is expected to be transferred to Kacyiru Hospital for a forensic examination.

Gicumbi District Mayor Emmanuel Nzabonimpa addressed the incident, saying the conflict arose when the student, who had been absent, attempted to eat the meal prepared for students who had attended school.

“There was no direct instruction for students to beat their peer,” Mayor Nzabonimpa said. “The teacher had merely explained that only those who attended class that day would be served meals. When the absent student joined his classmates for lunch, confusion ensued.”

The Mayor emphasized that the national school feeding program is meant to support all enrolled students, and that educators are expected to supervise students during mealtimes to prevent such incidents.