Authorities in Rwanda’s Eastern Province have arrested several suspects linked to the brutal killing of an elderly man in Ngoma District, where the victim was reportedly murdered, robbed of money, and mutilated before parts of his body were hidden in another sector
The shocking incident happened in Ngoma District, specifically in Gashanda Sector, where residents were left in fear after the body of an elderly man was discovered in a farm area days after he had disappeared.
According to local authorities, the victim had been missing for nearly a week before his body was recovered on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Investigators found the corpse without the head and one leg, prompting an immediate security operation to identify those responsible and locate the missing body parts.
Security teams later recovered the missing remains on Saturday, May 9, in a swamp located in Kazo Sector.
Local officials confirmed that multiple suspects were arrested following intensive investigations carried out by security organs operating in the district.
The Executive Secretary of Gashanda Sector, Mathias Ngenda, stated that authorities initially detained several individuals during the investigation before identifying the main suspects believed to have directly participated in the crime.
Officials say the suspects also guided investigators to locations where parts of the victim’s body had allegedly been buried.
Preliminary information indicates that the elderly man had recently sold a piece of land and was moving around the community with cash. Investigators suspect the attackers targeted him in order to steal the money obtained from the land sale.
The killing has shocked residents across the district due to the extreme violence involved.
Local officials confirmed that multiple suspects were arrested following intensive investigations carried out by security organs operating in the district.
The Executive Secretary of Gashanda Sector, Mathias Ngenda, stated that authorities initially detained several individuals during the investigation before identifying the main suspects believed to have directly participated in the crime.
Officials say the suspects also guided investigators to locations where parts of the victim’s body had allegedly been buried.
Preliminary information indicates that the elderly man had recently sold a piece of land and was moving around the community with cash. Investigators suspect the attackers targeted him in order to steal the money obtained from the land sale.
The killing has shocked residents across the district due to the extreme violence involved.
Residents in the area described the incident as terrifying and unusual for the community. Many citizens expressed concern about rising violent crimes and called for stronger cooperation between local communities and security authorities.
Community leaders have since urged residents to report suspicious behavior early and avoid conflicts that could escalate into violence.
Authorities from district and provincial levels have also been meeting residents to encourage unity, peaceful coexistence, and timely sharing of information with security agencies.
Local leaders are encouraging citizens to:
Avoid moving with large amounts of cash without proper security measures.
Report suspicious individuals or activities immediately.
Strengthen neighborhood cooperation and community vigilance.
Resolve conflicts peacefully through legal and community channels.
Security officials also reminded the public that timely information sharing can help prevent serious crimes before they happen.
The murder case in Ngoma District has drawn national attention because of its brutality and the disturbing manner in which the victim’s body was mutilated and hidden. While suspects are now in custody, residents and leaders continue to call for stronger community security and vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source: IGIHE News Rwanda
