A 62-year-old man suspected of taking part in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was arrested at the Rubengera Sector Office in Karongi District while seeking government services. Upon his arrest, he immediately admitted to his role in the genocide and expressed his readiness to explain everything, including how he managed to hide for 31 years.
This man, identified as Faustin Ndindabahizi, was captured as he came to request land-related services at the Rubengera Sector Office in Karongi District — the same area where he is accused of having committed genocide crimes.
His arrest was made possible thanks to residents who recognized him and quickly reported him to the authorities, according to Imvaho Nshya newspaper.
Survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi living in that area said he participated in the killings along with his brothers before fleeing to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Gacaca Court of Kibirizi had already sentenced him to 30 years in prison for his role in the genocide, in his abscence, since he had fled to the DRC.
Reports indicate that Ndindabahizi returned to Rwanda in 2021 and reunited with his wife, who had come back earlier. The couple settled in Kamihaho Village, Gitega Cell, Gitesi Sector, also within Karongi District.
Mukakimenyi Suzanne, whose family members were killed by Ndindabahizi during the genocide, said: “I first heard news about him when I went for treatment at Kibuye Hospital. I met a woman named Chantal who told me that she often saw him and even knew where he lived, although he rarely came out of the house.”
She added: “Their property, including a piece of land near my home, was being sold by his wife. When buyers agreed on the sale, he would secretly appear to receive the payment before disappearing again.”
Faustin Ayabagabo, the Executive Secretary of Rubengera Sector, confirmed the arrest, saying: “He was arrested while he was at the Sector Office requesting land transfer services. As soon as he was caught, he immediately confessed without resistance to his involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi and mentioned his accomplices, including his brothers, who had been hiding in the forests of the DRC.”
The local leader added that Ndindabahizi told authorities he was ready to explain in detail how he managed to live in hiding for 31 years until his arrest.
He further reminded the public that genocide is a crime that never expires, urging anyone who knows of other fugitives still in hiding to provide information so that they too can be brought to justice.
RADIOTV10
