Police in Burera has arrested a prime suspect in the murder of a businessman, Sostène Habimana, who was shot dead on January 15 in Burera District.
Eric Harelimana alias Kibamba, the prime suspect, was arrested on January 16 at his home in Bunyenkanda village, Kamanyana cell in Cyanika Sector in Burera.
Harelimana, on the fateful day, is alleged to have ambushed the vehicle the deceased was driving, along Cyanika-Musanze road, and shot him dead and injured two others that were traveling with the latter at the time.
The suspect is currently detained at Gahunga Police Station.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect had been hired by a man, names withheld, who is said to be a business associate of the deceased, police said.
Harelimana, apparently had been hired by the deceased’s associate at a fee amounting to Rwf800, 000, after completing the bloody mission.
Supt Francis Gahima, Police Spokesperson in the Northern Region, who confirmed the arrest, said Harelimana’s arrest followed the information provided by some area residents.
The suspect, who will be charged with murder, illegal possession and use of a firearm, confessed to the crime, and asked to be pardoned, arguing that he was tempted by the bounty.
Murder carries a life sentence under article 140 of the penal code.
Supt. Gahima commended area residents for their integrity and commitment to partner with security organs to fight and prevent crimes, and urged them to continue the spirit.
He urged the community to refrain from illegal possession of firearms and to voluntarily surrender them.
Apparently, there is no penalty handed to anyone who surrenders firearms willingly.
Article 671 of the penal code stipulates that ‘any person who illegally possesses, lends or gives an arm, or falsifies its identification marks, is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of rwf300, 000 to Rw3 million or one of these penalties.’
Article 675 also states that “any person, who provides false information or refuses to provide information with the aim of obtaining a license for possession or carriage of a firearm, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of Rwf100, 000 to Rwf1 million or one of these penalties.
RNP
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