The spokesperson for the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) has stated that the army has two soldiers in custody accused of assaulting Bugesera District residents, saying that once the investigations are complete, the suspects will be subjected to a public trial at the scene of the alleged crime.
The spokesperson for the defense and military, Lt Col. Innocent Munyengango, followed a statement by the RDF condemning the actions of the soldiers accused of criminal misconduct against residents of Rugarama village, Nyamata Cell, Nyamata Sector in Bugesera.
The declaration was issued on Friday 12 June
“The RDF strongly condemns any violation of Rwandan law, or RDF ethics and values by its personnel, Justice, security, and support for the affected community are our utmost priority.” reads part of the statement from RDF.
Neither Munyengango nor the statement clarified how such crimes were committed, with the spokesperson saying it is still the subject of a criminal investigation.
However, details available suggests one of the victims has been brutally attacked.
A similar incident occurred in March of this year where five soldiers were arrested for assaulting residents of Kangondo in Gasabo District.
According to military prosecution, the five soldiers who were on private rank were also charged with assaulting civilians in a Kigali neighborhood.
They have been arrested ever since, however, and the two key suspects have been put on remand.