A 43-year-old man from Musha Sector in Rwamagana District has been arrested on suspicion of killing his wife, only a short time after being released from prison, where he had served a sentence for assaulting her.
The victim, Mbabazi Alphonsine, 35, was found dead at the entrance of the couple’s home in Akabare Village, Akabare Cell, with a severe head injury.
Neighbors told UMUSEKE (source of news) that they believe Mbabazi was killed by her husband, Niringiyimana Théogene, commonly known as “Toto.”
The spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police in the Eastern Province, SP Hamdun Twizeyimana, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was struck with a hoe.
According to SP Twizeyimana, Mbabazi had returned home and knocked on the door. When her husband opened it, he allegedly attacked her with the farming tool.
The couple’s child reportedly discovered the victim lying motionless outside the house and raised the alarm.
After the incident, Niringiyimana allegedly locked himself inside the house and went to sleep. When he later realized residents had discovered what had happened, he reportedly attempted to flee by crossing Lake Muhazi, but local residents, working together with police officers, apprehended him before he could escape.
Authorities said Niringiyimana had only recently completed a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of assaulting and causing bodily harm to the same victim, Mbabazi Alphonsine.
Police have since taken the suspect into custody at Musha Police Station, while Mbabazi’s body was transferred to Rwanda National Police Hospital in Kacyiru for a postmortem examination.
The deceased leaves behind three children.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.