A disturbing incident has unfolded in the eastern part of Rwanda, specifically in the district of Kayonza, where a man is accused of killing his wife and then attempting to take his own life. Rudasingwa Jean Damascène, the suspect, allegedly killed his wife, Ayinkamiye Béatrice, in their home in the Nyakabungo village, Gahini sector. According to local authorities, the suspect then attempted to poison himself but did not die.

The incident came to light when the couple's son returned home to find his mother dead and his father in a critical condition. Gitifu Nsoro Alexis Bright, the executive secretary of Gahini sector, reported that the son raised an alarm, attracting neighbors who found Ayinkamiye Béatrice dead and Rudasingwa Jean Damascène still alive but in a critical state. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and police were promptly informed and responded to the scene.

Authorities have revealed that the suspect and the victim had been experiencing marital problems, with the husband frequently returning home drunk and physically abusing his wife. Neighbors and family members had previously reported these incidents to local leaders, who attempted to intervene. The suspect was taken to a hospital after attempting to poison himself and was later transferred to a police station for further investigation.

The body of Ayinkamiye Béatrice was taken to a hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to her family for burial. Local leaders have urged residents to report cases of domestic violence and marital disputes to authorities to prevent such tragedies. The incident has sparked a renewed call for communities to work together to address and prevent domestic violence.

Rudasingwa Jean Damascène is currently in police custody facing charges of murder. The case has drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence in Rwanda, where efforts have been made to combat the problem through legislation and community-based programs. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that persist in addressing and preventing domestic violence.

According to Nsoro Alexis Bright, the executive secretary of Gahini sector, the suspect had been known to have a history of violent behavior when intoxicated. The sector's leadership had previously attempted to mediate the couple's disputes but were unsuccessful in preventing the tragic outcome.

The case is ongoing, with further investigations being conducted by the RIB. The community remains shaken by the incident, and local leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of domestic violence to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key points

  • A Rwandan man accused of killing his wife attempted to poison himself but survived and is now in police custody.
  • The incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Rwanda, with calls for increased community involvement in preventing such tragedies.
  • Authorities are urging residents to report cases of domestic violence to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.