The suspects allegedly killed the woman identified as Clementine Mukandekezi, who lived alone in her home in Munazi Cell, Save Sector, Gisagara District.
The suspects are said to have broke into Mukandekezi’s house, raped her, and then murdered her before stealing some of her belongings.
During the attack, Mukandekezi screamed for help, alerting neighbors who immediately contacted the police.
Witnesses reported that Mukandekezi called out the name of one of the suspects during the assault.
Police responded around 1 a.m. after hearing the commotion. Neighbors used the sector leader’s vehicle to rush Mukandekezi to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Three suspects were initially arrested and detained at Save Police Station. However, by 5:30 a.m., it was discovered that they had escaped by digging through the wall of their cell and removing bricks.
Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga confirmed the incident, saying the suspects identified as Nshimiyimana Eric, 22, and Nshimiyimana Innocent, 20, fled the station by digging a hole in the wall.
“After the escape was noticed, we launched a search operation. At around 12:30 p.m., a police officer encountered two of them in hiding. They resisted arrest, and the officer shot them. The third suspect, Gabiro Jean de Dieu, was apprehended,” ACP Rutikanga explained.
An investigation is underway to determine how the suspects managed to escape from custody and to uncover the motive behind their heinous crime against Mukandekezi.
IGIHE has learnt that one of the suspects, Nshimiyimana Innocent, had recently been released from prison where he was serving a two-year sentence for theft. He had been allowed to complete the remainder of his sentence outside prison.
ACP Rutikanga commended the residents for reporting the incident to the authorities and aiding in the search.
“We appreciate the residents’ cooperation in reporting the crime and providing information that led to the apprehension of the suspects. We assure Rwandans that the police will continue to pursue anyone who commits crimes and tries to evade justice. Ensuring the safety of Rwandans is our duty,” he said.
He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report anyone involved in criminal activities to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Describing the complex web of alliances between FARDC, FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo, and other militias, he paints a chilling picture of the battlefield where survival came at the cost of morality and humanity.
“Whenever we were about to fight, Gen Justin would give us orders on how we should behave in battle and give us ammunition: one would take the machine gun, another the RPG, and another the mortar,” Niyitanga recounted.
“They were provided by FARDC, and we would go to the frontline with assurance of invading Rwanda. After that, we would go to the battle and find FARDC, FDLR, and Burundians there. We used to form a coalition comprising the FARDC, Wazalendo, FDLR and fight together.”
Niyitanga’s journey began when he entered the DRC to seek work but was soon swept into the ranks of the Nyatura militia, along with his companions, after being coerced to carry water for armed groups.
Less than two months of training in a camp called Ntiti left him and other recruits unprepared for the brutality of the battlefield in Eastern DRC, where survival often hinged on compliance with their commanders’ ruthless orders.
“Anyone who disobeyed orders was killed,” he admitted, “so we complied, fighting against M23, even though we were always defeated.”
His experiences echo those of Hatangimana Delphin, a 21-year-old soldier who also defected from the Wazalendo militia.
Hatangimana’s story began tragically when he and other herdsmen were ambushed while grazing cattle.
Rebels stole their livestock, killed his companions, and left him alone and terrified. In a desperate bid to survive, he agreed to join the militia and eventually became a bodyguard to their senior leader.
“As Wazalendo, we fought battles alongside FDLR, FARDC, and other groups,” Hatangimana shared.
“They would coordinate us all. For instance, they would say our battalion should lead, and FDLR would back us up, while FARDC would reinforce us. All weapons, bullets, food supplies, and these heavy weapons came from FARDC.”
{{Collaboration between FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundians}}
Ishimwe Patrick, 24, had spent years fighting for the terrorist group FDLR. However, upon witnessing its corrupt practices and its genocidal agenda that devastated Rwanda, he decided to defect—even though it felt like signing his own death warrant, as anyone caught fleeing was killed on the spot.
He confirmed that the recent battles they fought against M23 were coordinated with FARDC and other groups allied with the Kinshasa regime’s military.
But despite their heavy weaponry, the M23 forces led by Gen Sultan Makenga consistently defeated them.
He recounted, “We fought at Kishishe alongside FARDC. We fought at Kibilizi with Mai Mai, FARDC, and FDLR. We moved to Kirundure with FARDC and Mai Mai.”
He added that wounded FDLR fighters were treated in government hospitals in DRC, but those who died were abandoned, exposing the inhumane nature of the operations.
{{Genocidal ideology }}
Ishimwe Patrick joined FDLR alongside 200 other fighters, but over time he realized their mission was futile. They suffered constant defeats, often being overwhelmed in battle.
He said, “The ideology of Wazalendo, FDLR, and FARDC is that M23 consists of Rwandans invading Congo. They told us that after defeating M23, we would invade Rwanda. However, given the infighting, tribalism, and disunity within these groups, I doubt they will ever achieve their goals.”
The ideology of extermination, particularly targeting Tutsis, was deeply ingrained in FDLR fighters, FARDC, and allied militias. This doctrine was instilled during their training.
Mugisha, who defected from Wazalendo, explained, “There was someone we lived with called Gen Hadaranka. They claimed he collaborated with Rwanda, even though he was a Congolese soldier working with Mbokani. They later arrested another person, accusing him of being Tutsi. They discriminated against us, even tormenting civilians.”
{{Plot to attack Rwanda}}
Defectors from Wazalendo and FDLR testified that their training and battles revolved around defeating M23 and eventually invading Rwanda.
Niyitanga said, “Life in Congo was extremely challenging. We lived in the forests, and if you came across a woman with money, you would rob her. Our general would order us to find someone with money, break into their house at night, and take it. If they resisted, we would shoot them.”
These young men were brainwashed into believing that looting and killing civilians were ways to sustain themselves.
Hatangimana added, “They told us to fight against Rwanda by fighting M23, accusing them of being Rwandans. They also instructed us to take whatever civilians had so we could survive—soap and other necessities.”
He revealed that their battles would rarely succeed, and whenever M23 retaliated, they would scatter. The wounded were taken to government hospitals in Goma, while the dead were left behind.
{{Message to the youth}}
Having experienced the horrors of the Congolese forests—watching people being killed, looting civilians, and killing for survival—these young defectors said it was a life they would not wish on anyone.
They urged Rwandan youth to seize the opportunities Rwanda offers instead of plunging into a death trap.
Niyitanga said, “Our Rwanda is peaceful. Going to Congo is like embracing death and misery. It is better to stay in Rwanda and contribute to its development.”
Hatangimana appealed to other youth still in FDLR, Wazalendo, and similar militias to return and join the effort to build their country.
He concluded, “I urge my fellow Rwandan youth to avoid being misled by those who promise riches in Congo. They tell you that you will find wealth, but it’s all a lie. You leave a peaceful life in Rwanda only to find that where you came from was better than where you’re going.”
The president arrived at the court around 2:00 p.m. local time and departed roughly 100 minutes later. This marked a historic moment as the first time an impeached South Korean president attended such a hearing in person.
When questioned during the third formal hearing about whether he had ordered military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers opposing his martial law declaration, Yoon simply responded, “No.”
Yoon, accused of being a key figure in an alleged insurrection, imposed martial law on December 3 last year. However, the National Assembly revoked it within hours.
The impeachment motion, passed by the opposition-led National Assembly on December 14, suspended Yoon’s presidential powers. The constitutional court now has up to 180 days to deliberate the case.
If at least six of the court’s justices uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, prompting a presidential election within 60 days.
Following the hearing, Yoon visited an Armed Forces hospital dedicated to high-ranking officials and their families before returning to the Seoul Detention Center.
The next court hearings are scheduled for later this month and early February. Meanwhile, Yoon remains in detention under an extended warrant granted by a Seoul court.
On Saturday, he attended a four-hour warrant hearing, arguing the legitimacy of his martial law declaration and defending his reputation.
The deadline for submitting declarations for the 2024 rental income is January 31, and RRA has emphasized the importance of using the exact rental amounts received to prevent unintended penalties.
Those renting out buildings, property improvements rented in whole or in part, or any other rented immovable property located in Rwanda, are encouraged to declare early.
The law determining the sources of revenue and property of decentralized entities stipulates that a person is liable for tax when rental income exceeds Frw180,000 per year, provided they are not registered under corporate income tax.
Property owners must have a written contract with the tenant bearing the signatures of both parties.
Karasira Ernest, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Provincial and Decentralized Revenue Division at RRA, emphasized the importance of using genuine contracts during tax declarations to avoid penalties.
“Property owners are required to provide accurate information as the basis for the tax amounts declared and paid. For example, issuing a contract indicating that a tenant pays Frw 200,000 in rent while actually receiving Frw500,000 would be misleading, violating the law. Both property owners and tenants should have a truthful agreement where the actual payment amounts are clearly reflected in the documents or receipts issued after payment,” he said.
Karasira urged property owners to declare the required tax and, if possible, pay immediately or by the January 31 deadline.
“Property owners are urged to act swiftly to avoid penalties for missing the deadline. Secondly, I remind everyone to provide accurate declarations and avoid submitting false information. If it is later discovered that the data provided was inaccurate, not only will the due tax be paid, but additional penalties will also be imposed,” he added.
{{Penalties}}
The law provides a penalty of 40% of the tax due for late declarations or providing false information. Unpaid taxes are also subject to a 1.5% monthly interest and an additional charge of 10% of the tax due. However, this surcharge cannot exceed Frw100, 000.
{{How rental income tax is calculated}}
When calculating rental income tax, 50% of the rental income received during the year is exempt from taxation, as it is considered a maintenance cost for the property. Interest on bank loans related to the rented property is also deducted from taxable income.
The remaining taxable amount is subject to a 0% rate for annual rental income from Frw1 to Frw180,000; 20% for annual rental income from Frw180,001 to Frw 1 million; and 30% for annual rental income exceeding Frw 1 million.
The declaration is made through the RRA website, where taxpayers must provide accurate rental details including tenant’s name, the rental period, monthly payment, and the total amount paid throughout the year.
The system automatically calculates the tax payable based on the information provided.
They made the remarks Monday at the new compound of the Mission of China to the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where a gala is held to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival falls on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, told the event that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations has been elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.
“No matter how international and regional circumstances change, China is always Africa’s most reliable friend, the most reliable partner in African pursuit of development, and Africa’s strongest supporter on the international stage,” he said.
The Chinese government is committed to working with African friends to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, carry out the “10 partnership actions,” and work together on the path toward modernization, Hu said.
Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson for the African Union Commission, said AU-China cooperation has achieved gratifying and fruitful results during the previous years, noting China’s 35-year-long tradition of dispatching its foreign minister to Africa on their first overseas trips at the start of a year.
“In recent years, the political mutual trust between the African Union and China has continued to deepen, and the two sides have closely cooperated in international and regional affairs,” Nsanzabaganwa said.
She noted that China has always firmly supported Africa’s struggle against colonialism, power politics and racial discrimination, for which the African Union is deeply grateful.
According to Nsanzabaganwa, 2025 marks the first year for the implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and the AU is committed to strengthening the deep synergy of development strategies with China and working together to set a benchmark for international cooperation.
Monday’s event, which attracted the representatives of the AU and the Chinese community in Addis Ababa, featured Chinese foods and traditional performances from both China and Africa, among others.
Ernest Karasira, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Provincial and Decentralized Revenue Division at RRA, stated that the trading license tax is paid by anyone, who opens a business within a district.
To determine the tax rate, consideration is given to those, who can provide their annual turnover from the previous year and those who cannot.
“We urge all concerned traders to declare and pay this tax not later than the January 31. It is important to remember that filing the declaration today and completing the payment before the last day is crucial, as the main issue often arises from failing to declare, which is the first step,” Karasira said.
Declaration and payment has been made easy for all taxpayers, wherever they are in their businesses, leisure or at home. You can declare through the RRA website on the decentralized taxes section. By entering the TIN and password, a taxpayer can declare and receive a payment reference number.
Declaration can also be made in the palm of your hand with your mobile phone by dialing *800#, go to decentralized taxes, and select the trading license tax.
Payments can be made via MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Mobicash, internet banking and mobile banking.
{{1. Trading license tax for those able to determine turnover}}
Between Frw2 million and Frw7 million pay Frw100,000 annually or Frw25,000 quarterly in tax.
Between Frw7 million and Frw12 million is taxed at Frw120,000 annually or Frw30,000 quarterly.
The tax rate increases progressively with turnovers of Frw50 billion and above paying Frw2 million annually or Frw500,000 quarterly, in taxes.
{{2. Trading license tax for those unable to determine turnover}}
Other profit-oriented activities not registered for income tax in urban zones are taxed at Frw60,000 annually or Frw15,000 quarterly. In rural areas, the trading license tax is Frw30,000 annually or Frw7,500 quarterly.
Other rates include Frw40,000 annually or Frw10,000 quarterly for individual owned vehicle used in transport; Frw20,000 annually or Frw5,000 quarterly per boat used in transport activities; and Frw8,000 annually or Frw2,000 quarterly for a commercial motorcycle.
{{3. Annual vs. quarterly payment options}}
When declaring the trading license tax, the system provides two options; annual and quarter.
“The system is designed so that if a taxpayer selects the first quarter, it means they have opted for quarterly payments. You cannot skip a quarter. If you select the second quarter, it means the first is included. If you select the fourth quarter, it means you are paying for the entire year (12 months) at once. Declaring and paying must be done note later than January 31,” he added.
For those that opt to pay quarterly, the second quarter is due by April 30, the third by July 31, and the fourth by October 31 of the taxable year.
{{4. Trading license tax for business headquarters and branches}}
If a taxpayer operates businesses in multiple districts, they must pay the trading license tax in each district. However, if it is a single business with multiple branches within one district, the tax is paid based on the turnover of the headquarters. If they are only branches, the tax is based on the branch with the highest turnover. If the total turnover of a branch is unknown, the tax is calculated based on the headquarters’ turnover.
{{5. Who is exempt from the trading license tax?}}
Those exempt from the trading license tax include government institutions not engaged in commercial activities and small or medium businesses during their first two years of operation.
Karasira said: “Those who started business activities at least two years ago, and had exemptions should now be aware they must begin paying the trading license tax.”
If a business activity begins after January, the taxpayer is required to pay a trading license tax proportional to the remaining months of the year, including the month the activity started.
If a taxpayer ceases or modifies their business activity during the taxable year, a refund can be issued after an audit, depending on the remaining months until December 31.
{{Penalties}}
The law stipulates a 40% penalty of the tax due for late declarations or submitting false information. Unpaid taxes incur a monthly interest of 1.5% and an additional surcharge of 10% of the tax due. However, the maximum surcharge applicable is capped at Frw100,000.
Reliable sources indicate that Bishop Mugisha was apprehended on Tuesday and is currently detained at the RIB station in Remera while investigations continue.
Allegations against the bishop first surfaced in early 2024 when some pastors in the Shyira Diocese accused him of poor governance and unfair practices.
They claimed that several pastors who questioned his leadership were reassigned or dismissed, including Pastor Kubwayo Charles and Pastor Kabaragasa J. Baptiste, who were officially dismissed in August 2024.
The dismissed pastors alleged that Bishop Mugisha used church resources for personal benefit.
According to them, the bishop’s company secured a contract to supply sand for a diocesan construction project in Musanze, using a Fuso truck registered in his name.
Additionally, they alleged that his wife’s company was contracted to supply eggs to all nursery schools in the diocese, with the eggs sourced from the bishop’s poultry farm.
They further alleged that farmland owned by the diocese in Nyamutera (Nyabihu) and Kimonyi (Musanze), covering 20 hectares, was used to grow fodder for the bishop’s cattle.
However, others have defended the bishop, arguing that the dismissed pastors had their own issues.
An anonymous source stated, “The pastors were dismissed for misconduct. One had defrauded several people, while another had unpaid debts. Their accusations against the bishop are a way to retaliate.”
The Anglican Church leadership intervened in the ongoing conflict. Bishop Mugisha was temporarily suspended in 2024, and Reverend Augustin Ahimana was appointed interim head of the Shyira Diocese by Archbishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda.
In response to the allegations, Bishop Mugisha recently claimed his suspension was unlawful and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved.
He stated, “Our issues are being addressed through proper channels, and I trust that the truth will come out.”
Following his suspension, reports indicate that Mugisha eventually resigned. The Shyira Diocese has been under scrutiny by both the church and Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to resolve governance and financial management concerns.
Due to projected cold weather in Washington, D.C., his inauguration ceremony was held indoors — the first time in four decades.
Trump took his oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Chief Justice usually administers the presidential oath of office, a tradition that has been followed since the first inauguration.
Trump said in his inauguration speech that American decline ends and “the golden Age of America begins right now.”
In his speech, Trump promised to sign “a series of historic executive orders,” including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, enhancing oil and gas production, revoking electric vehicle mandate. He also promised to immediately begin the overhaul of the trade system and “tariff and tax foreign countries.”
Trump pledged to bring down prices, save auto industry, “restore fair, equal and impartial justice,” and bring law and order back to U.S. cities.
Criticizing Democrats’ DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs, the newly sworn-in president said this week, he will also end the government policy of “trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” and “forge a society that is colorblind and merit based.”
He noted that it will be the “official policy” of the United States government that there are only two genders — male and female.
Trump also pledged to build the strongest military the world has ever seen. “We will measure our success, not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into,” Trump said, adding that he will be a peacemaker and unifier.
The president reiterated that he will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and will take back the Panama Canal.
In addition, Trump said that he will, for the second time, pull the United States out of the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change.
Moments before Trump’s swearing-in, JD Vance was sworn in as the vice president.
The group consists of six females and three males, and the arrests took place on January 17, 2025, as confirmed by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry.
“We have identified nine individuals, including six girls and three boys, who appear in videos circulating on social media showing them engaging in sexual acts. They are under investigation for crimes including drug use, public distribution of obscene material, and engaging in public indecency,” Dr. Murangira stated.
The individuals, aged between 20 and 28, were part of the “Rich Gang” group, where they distributed the explicit videos.
The group includes Ishimwe Patrick, Uwineza Nelly Sany, Gihozo Pascaline, Kwizera Emelyne, Uwase Sariha, Uwase Belyse, Shakira Uwase, Rucyahana David, and Banza Julien.
Emelyne has been trending on social media in recent days after an alleged explicit video of her went viral.
Seven have been arrested, while two are being investigated without detention. They are being held at various RIB stations in Kicukiro, Gikondo, Remera, Kacyiru, and Kimironko as their cases are processed for submission to the Public Prosecution.
The individuals are said to have recorded videos of themselves engaging in sexual acts and shared them with others in exchange for money.
Upon arrest, it was revealed that some of them were using drugs, with several testing positive for cannabis. The levels ranged from 55 to 275, far above the normal range of 0-20.
RIB urges young people to understand that social media platforms should not be used to share obscene content or engage in criminal activities.
Dr. Murangira emphasized, “Recently, some individuals have been creating WhatsApp groups to spread explicit videos. We urge them to stop because such acts are punishable by law, and all social media platforms are considered public spaces.”
IGIHE has learned that similar activities are happening in other groups, such as “Kigali VP HOOKS-UPS,” “VIP Online Sex,” “House Party Show,” and others.
RIB’s preliminary investigation reveals that some individuals have turned the distribution of explicit videos into a business.
Dr. Murangira further stated, “These activities must stop because no one will be able to claim their photos were leaked if it involves connivance.”
The investigation also uncovered that some individuals, including both men and women, encourage others to share explicit content in exchange for large sums of money.
Some even offer phone numbers and invite others to DM them for such content, which constitutes premeditated criminal activity and is punishable by law.
While attending the 30th National Prayer Breakfast, President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of moral upbringing.
He condemned indecent dressing and stressed that no family or religion advocates for it.
“I observe trends on social media, where young people roam the streets dressed inappropriately, practically naked. What exactly does someone who dresses like that hope to showcase? There is no religion that encourages nudity, nor is there any family that promotes it. But this nudity is not just physical; it also reflects emptiness in the mind, which is the real issue,” the Head of State remarked.
“How can we, as a society, allow such behaviour? As leaders, what responsibilities are we fulfilling if we tolerate such actions? Are we supposed to clothe Rwandans in indecency?”
The crime of distributing explicit content via computers or networks could result in imprisonment for three to five years, along with a fine between one million and three million Rwandan Francs.
Convictions for drug use or pharmaceutical abuse may lead to one to two years of imprisonment or community service.
Eavesdropping, recording, or broadcasting private conversations could lead to imprisonment for six months to one year.
Meanwhile, distributing obscene content via technological means may result in imprisonment for six months to two years.
Speaking on the Italian talk show Che Tempo Che Fa, AP has reported, Francis expressed concern about the impact such policies would have on vulnerable immigrants.
“If true, this will be a disgrace because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the problem. This won’t do!” he said.
In a telegram sent on Trump’s inauguration day, Francis prayed for America to remain a “land of opportunity” and urged for a society free of hatred and exclusion.
Trump, who prioritized deportations during his campaign, faced criticism from U.S. Catholic leaders.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, incoming Archbishop of Washington D.C., said such policies contradict Catholic teachings about welcoming the stranger.
Similarly, Chicago Cardinal Blasé Cupich described the plans as “profoundly disturbing.”
Pope Francis has consistently championed the rights and dignity of migrants, asserting that their protection outweighs national security concerns.
