4 terror suspects paraded before Rusizi residents

Four men suspected of playing a role in activities meant to destabilize security in Rusizi District of the Western Province were paraded before the local residents after being arrested, this Sunday.

Provincial Officials have urged local residents to remain vigilant and work with Security organs to ensure that security is maintained.

The four men have admitted playing role in the shooting and arson attacks that took place on a commercial building and a vehicle on separate occasions in Rusizi.

On October 19. 2019, a grenade attack on the town on Rusizi resulted in four people suffering light injuries,  three of those people caught in a stampede after the grenade exploded near a bar, the other injured by its fragments.

The youngest of the four suspects has admitted to throwing that grenade, saying he had intended to do it in a marketplace, but decided to target the vicinity near the bar instead.

The oldest of the suspects was apparently planning another grenade attack when he was arrested with four AK47 assault rifles were found hidden in a sand quarry owned by the individual, as well as various types of weapons ranging from stick grenades to bullets for the guns. Those arrested with him have accused him of recruiting them and being their ring leader.

The arrests came as a result of information provided by local residents in Rusizi District. The 4 publicly admitted to working for an Armed Terrorist Group in the Eastern Part of the DRC that calls itself the FNL and that they got their instructions directly from members of the group.

Those who spoke following the public confessions by the men, including those directly affected by the attacks, called for justice to be served and reparations made, especially for property damaged or lost in the attacks.

Alphonse Munyantwari, Governor of the Western Province said; "One example I can give you: this individual Matakamba that you heard many accusing of recruiting them engage in such bad behavior, he has a Child currently studying in China on a Government Scholarship. This is a clear indication that people should focus on the things that are useful to them and their children; the things that help the Rwandan Family to develop."

The four suspects are yet to appear before a Court of Law.