Kirehe: Police shoot dead suspect accused of killing a motorcycle taxi rider
Police in Rwanda’s Eastern Province have shot dead a young man who was wanted in connection with the killing of a motorcycle taxi rider and the theft of his motorcycle in Kirehe District.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026. The suspect, identified as Eric Dukuzumuremyi , was fatally shot in the Cyunuzi wetland, the same location where the motorcycle taxi rider had earlier been killed.
According to police, Dukuzumuremyi had been arrested and was cooperating with investigators by leading them to locations where he had hidden items linked to the crime. However, during the operation, he reportedly attempted to escape by jumping out of a police vehicle and fleeing on foot. Police officers shot him as he tried to run, resulting in his death.
The spokesperson of the Rwanda National Police in the Eastern Province, SP Hamdun Twizeyimana, told UMUSEKE that the suspect was a well-known repeat offender.
“He was a habitual thief who had been arrested and imprisoned several times. As recently as June, he had been released from prison after serving a sentence for theft,” SP Twizeyimana said.
Police further explained that on January 2, 2026, Dukuzumuremyi allegedly lured a motorcycle taxi rider to the Cyunuzi wetland, where he killed him and stole his motorcycle. Following the crime, police worked with residents and motorcycle taxi operators to track him down, leading to his arrest.
On the day of the shooting, the suspect was taken back to the area to help police recover weapons and other items used in the murder. Authorities say the escape attempt forced officers to respond.
Police have praised citizens and motorcycle taxi riders for providing timely information, emphasizing that public cooperation plays a key role in preventing and solving crimes. They also warned that theft and violent crime are punishable by law and urged those involved in criminal activities to abandon them and seek lawful livelihoods.
Residents of the area expressed relief following the incident. Several said they felt safer knowing that a suspect they described as dangerous would no longer threaten the community.
One resident told BTN TV that people learned early in the morning that police had brought the suspect to the scene to show where he had hidden the murder tools, before he tried to flee and was shot.
“Many of us were relieved,” the resident said. “People should not try to take what others have worked for. What happened sends a strong message.”
Another local resident commended police for their swift investigation, adding that the death of the suspect has restored a sense of security in the area.
Police continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activities promptly so that crimes can be prevented before they occur.
