Two suspected goat thieves arrested after deadly clash in Nyanza district
The Rwanda National Police operating in the Southern Province has confirmed the arrest of two suspects following an incident in which two alleged goat thieves lost their lives in Nyanza District.
The incident occurred in Buruba Village, Butara Cell, Kigoma Sector of Nyanza District. According to police, during the night of January 7, 2026, unknown individuals attacked residents and stole goats.
On the morning of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the owners of the stolen goats, together with other residents, went in search of their animals. They later located the suspects, but the situation escalated into a violent confrontation.
Reports indicate that the suspected thieves were armed with machetes. A fight broke out between them and the residents, prompting a crowd to gather. As residents attempted to defend themselves, several people searching for their goats were injured, while two of the suspected thieves died during the clashes.
The Southern Province Police Spokesperson, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, told UMUSEKE that confrontations took place, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
“The police arrested two men who are currently being held at Busasamana Police Station,” CIP Kamanzi said.
Reliable sources revealed that the deceased suspects were reportedly notorious for stealing livestock and had long troubled local residents. They had previously been arrested and released on several occasions for theft-related offenses.
Police have urged citizens to refrain from engaging in theft and strongly warned the public against taking the law into their own hands. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Meanwhile, it was also reported that one of the stolen goats was recovered and later gave birth, confirming it had been pregnant at the time of the theft.
