It was a tense Monday morning in Rwamagana District, Eastern Rwanda. What started as a police escort to recover stolen items turned into a deadly confrontation.
Two men, accused of killing two night guards at a beer storage facility, were shot dead after allegedly attacking police officers who were escorting them.
The suspects had been under investigation for several weeks. Police said they were linked to a violent crime that shocked the local community in late July.
The victims of that earlier crime were Mudaheranwa Venuste and Bizimana Mark. They were night guards protecting a storage facility for Bralirwa beer in Muyumbu Sector, Nyarukombe Cell, Marembo Village.
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According to authorities, the suspects reportedly entered the storage compound at night armed with ropes and metal tools. They are accused of strangling the guards before stealing equipment and large quantities of drinks.
Police say the thieves made away with about 300 crates of Bralirwa beer and an EBM machine, a device used for electronic billing.
For days, the community was living in fear and demanding justice. Residents described the attack as “cold-blooded” and “deeply shocking” for such a quiet village.
Eastern Province Police Spokesperson SP Hamdun Twizeyimana confirmed that the suspects were tracked down and arrested.
On Monday morning, they were being taken to show police where they had hidden the stolen items. But, according to police reports, the mission took a dangerous turn.
SP Twizeyimana explained:
“Both men were clearly involved in the murder and theft in Muyumbu. While being escorted to reveal where they had hidden the 300 crates of drinks and the EBM machine, they suddenly tried to strangle the escorting officers with handcuffs.”
Police say they had no choice but to use deadly force when the suspects attacked. Shots were fired, and both men died on the spot.
The shooting took place in Muyumbu Sector, Nyarukombe Cell, Marembo Village, the same area where the original crime happened.
Local residents who witnessed the scene told reporters they were startled by the sound of gunfire in the early morning hours.
One resident said:
“We woke up to loud noises. Later we learned it was about those men who killed the guards. Many people here feel it is justice, but it is still scary to see such violence in our village.”
The incident has sparked conversations in Rwamagana about crime, justice, and security. Some believe the police acted in self-defense, while others worry about the dangers of suspects being taken to crime scenes.
Security officials have reminded the public that such operations carry high risks, especially when dealing with dangerous suspects.
Authorities say investigations into the murder case are still ongoing, as they seek to recover all stolen property and find out if other people were involved.
The deaths of the two suspects bring an abrupt end to what could have been a long court process. However, for the families of the two slain guards, the pain remains.
Community leaders in Muyumbu are urging residents to stay alert and work closely with security forces to prevent similar crimes in the future.
For now, the quiet village of Marembo returns to normal, but the memory of both the brutal killings and the dramatic police operation will not fade quickly.
