Karongi: Resident’s goats stolen and slaughtered near her home

By The Inspirer.

In Rugabano Sector, Mucyimba Cell, Kigarama Village, a resident named Virginie Yankurije had four of her goats stolen after thieves broke into her home. The goats were later slaughtered behind her house.

Some of Yankurije’s neighbors confirmed that she is a widow, describing the incident as a cruel act against someone already facing hardships.

The theft occurred during the night of January 16, 2025, at around 2 a.m. According to neighbors, blood stains found behind her house indicated that the goats were slaughtered on-site. Despite efforts to reach Yankurije for comment, she was unavailable, though her neighbors called for her to be compensated for the loss.

One neighbor stated, “This mother is a widow, she doesn’t have a husband, and now her four goats have been stolen and slaughtered. It’s evident they were slaughtered behind her house because the bloodstains show it clearly.” They added, “If the goats aren’t recovered, I would suggest she be compensated because this is heartbreaking. Such theft must be eradicated.”

The community, which has its own neighborhood watch system, became aware of the slaughter after patrol members noticed the blood behind her house following the theft.

Ndacyayisenga Emmanuel, the Acting Executive Secretary of Rugabano Sector, confirmed the incident to Imvaho Nshya and stated that efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits were ongoing.

“We learned about the theft early in the morning, at around 3 a.m. The information was immediately shared with security authorities. However, the perpetrators remain unidentified, and we are still searching for them,” he said.

He added, “Security is everyone’s responsibility, but as local leaders, we emphasize the importance of neighborhood patrols. Patrols don’t cover every household, so we urge all residents to remain vigilant and take part in safeguarding their own property.”

Ndacyayisenga said they were still investigating claims that the goats were slaughtered on-site. “I am not yet aware of the slaughtering, but we are continuing our investigation. What is clear is that the goats are missing,” he said.

As of now, the search for Yankurije’s goats continues. She is reported to be living in extreme poverty.