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Gatare Jacques, the former head of the Nyarupfubire School District, is accused of killing a man who was born in the Rwimiyaga district of the Eastern Province.‎ ‎This happened on Monday, December 16, 2024, when a man named Hakizimana Emmanuel, 48 years old, was killed after being beaten with a stick by the school principal and his herdsmen.

His cattle ranch is located in Rukundo Village, Kirebe Cell, Rwimiyaga Sector.‎ ‎The cause of this man’s tragic death is largely based on information received by the school principal that the deceased used to go buy milk from Jacques’s cowherds, but they sold it without his knowledge.‎ 

‎This angered Jacques, who asked those who gave him this information that when Emmanuel returned to buy milk, they would call him and tell him, which is what happened on Monday of this week when they told him.

He immediately went there in a hurry, joined forces with the person in charge of his cows, and beat the man until he died.‎ ‎The police confirmed the incident, with the Eastern Province Police Spokesperson, SP Hamdun Twizeyimana, describing the incident as a violent incident and urging residents to stop blaming themselves and instead do everything they can to contact the relevant authorities to resolve the conflict.

He added that residents should report the incident early to prevent crimes, as those who commit such crimes must be held accountable.

‎ ‎Law nº 68/2018 of 30/08/2018, which provides for crimes and penalties, stipulates that assault or injury leading to death is punishable by imprisonment of not less than 10 years but not more than 20 years and a fine of between 3 million and 5 million Rwandan francs.‎ ‎

Such criminal acts are alarming, and the Rwanda National Police is urging all Rwandans to report crimes to prevent such acts that could endanger the lives of citizens.‎ 

‎After Hakizimana was killed, his body was immediately taken to Nyagatare Hospital for an autopsy, while Gatare Jacques immediately escaped, but two of his shepherds and one of Gatare’s brothers who were present were arrested by security forces.‎ ‎Hakizimana Emmanuel, who is survived by his wife and four (4) children, was a married man who supported his family.‎ ‎

In the Eastern Province, there has been a continuing wave of violence and self-restraint by some residents.

In recent days, in the Murundi Sector, Kayonza District, there has been news that Gen. (Rtd.) Rutatina Richard, who once headed the Intelligence Service in the RDF, was recently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the death of a resident who was beaten in his pasture.

Another incident in the Eastern Province has raised suspicions about this school principal, where it is said that this general was the one who gave the orders to beat a person who died after being beaten in his pasture.