Karongi: Four arrested over killing of man accused of witchcraft

By The Inspirer.

Karongi, Rwanda — Rwandan police have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of a 55-year-old man in Karongi District who had been accused by members of the community of witchcraft, local authorities said.

The suspects are among six people believed to have attacked the home of Ndiramiye Vianney in Karambo Village, Gisovu Cell, Twumba Sector, allegedly using traditional weapons. Two suspects remain at large.

According to authorities, the attack followed the death of Mushimiye Ndimubanzi, who died at Mugonero Hospital after claiming that he had been poisoned. Some residents subsequently accused Ndiramiye of being responsible for the alleged poisoning.

Officials said that when the attackers arrived at Ndiramiye’s home, he locked himself inside in an attempt to protect himself. The assailants reportedly forced entry, assaulted him, and also injured his wife and daughter.

Some of the attackers allegedly stood guard at the gate to prevent neighbors from intervening. After residents realized the seriousness of the situation, they alerted the police. The injured family members were taken to hospital, but Ndiramiye, who sustained severe head injuries during the attack, later died.

The Executive Secretary of Twumba Sector, Uwimana Phanuel, said the suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack. However, through cooperation between residents and security agencies, four suspects were later arrested.

“Four suspects are currently being held at the Twumba station of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, while two others are still being pursued,” Uwimana told IGIHE.

Uwimana condemned the killing and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, describing the act as inhumane.

He emphasized that anyone suspecting poisoning should report the matter to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), noting that Rwanda has specialized facilities capable of scientifically testing for poison so that justice can be pursued through legal and judicial processes.

Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.