Politics Rwandan

Rwanda: Publicly, a soldier accused of killing five people has been sentenced to life in prison

by admin on | 2024-12-04 04:26:59

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On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Military Court tried Sergeant Minani Gervais who is suspected of killing and shooting five people from Karambi sector in Nyamasheke District.

Those killed are Benemugabo Denis, 17 years old, Habumugisha Onesphore, 20 years old, Sindayiheba Zephanie, 44 years old, Muhawenimana Jonas, 35 years old and Nsekambabaye Ezra, 51 years old.

The case took place in public, where the crime was committed in the village of Rubyiruko, Rushyarara cell. It was attended by many civilians and soldiers.

The lawyer who was supposed to defend Sergeant Minani, Me Murigande Jean Claude, asked the court to adjourn the case, explaining that his client has a mental illness.

The court rejected Mr. Murigande's request after the Prosecution pointed out that the medical reports show that Sergeant Minani is not sick. The lawyer immediately withdrew from the case.

After Mr. Murigande withdrew from the case, the court decided to proceed with the trial, giving the Prosecution time to explain its case against Sergeant Minani.

The prosecution explained that they are accusing Sergeant Minani of three crimes: voluntary murder, using a weapon without the command of a superior and damaging, stealing and intentionally destroying a military device.

The Rwandan Army (RDF) announced on November 13, 2024 that 39-year-old Sergeant Minani is suspected of shooting these people in a bar in the center of Rusharara in the early hours of that day.

It said: "RDF has arrested the suspect and is taking appropriate steps to pursue him through legal channels."

During Tuesday's hearing, Sergeant Minani said that what he did was because he was severely abused by the bar owner, who insulted and beat him.

He explained that there are those who know the truth of what happened and deserve to be questioned deeply about the cause of this murder. He said, "The poor Solange saw D'Amour and his crew beat me, you will ask him."

At that time, the Prosecutor explained to the Court that the defendant did not do anything serious that would make him leave the bar to wear military uniforms and bring a gun and shoot the assailants.

The prosecutor asserted that Sergeant Minani Gervais retaliated by using the force of the defense.

When the Prosecution had explained how Sergeant Minani would have committed the crimes, they asked him to be sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime of murder.

They also asked him to be imprisoned for five years for the crime of stealing and destroying military equipment, and one year for the crime of illegal use of firearms.

The case closed, the court informs the parties that its decision will be read on January 9, 2025, at 8 o'clock in the afternoon.

 

Marc N

www.andika.rw

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