Karongi: Teenager stabbed to death over 400 Frw dispute

By The Inspirer.

Olivier Izabayo, a 19-year-old resident of Karongi District, was fatally stabbed by two butchers, aged 39 and 24, following a dispute over a 400 Rwandan franc payment.

The incident occurred on September 7, 2025, in Kagarama Village, Kibilizi Cell, Rubengera Sector, Karongi District.

According to local sources, the two men, who usually slaughter and sell meat at Kibilizi Market, had borrowed a wheelbarrow from Izabayo to transport meat. After returning it without paying the agreed 400 Frw fee, Izabayo followed them to demand his money. In response, they allegedly stabbed him with a butcher’s knife, killing him instantly.

The killing sparked anger among residents, who reacted by pelting the suspects with stones, leaving them injured.

Habimana Viateur, the Executive Secretary of Kibilizi Cell, told IGIHE that security organs—including the Rwanda National Police, DASSO officers, and investigators from RIB—immediately intervened to calm the situation.

“The first step was to restore order because residents were furious and wanted to take justice into their own hands. We also consoled the victim’s family and reminded the community to avoid mob justice and instead report incidents that threaten security to the authorities in time,” Habimana said.

The suspects were arrested by police from Rubengera Station but were first taken to Kibuye Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained from the stones thrown by residents seeking revenge for the teenager’s death.