Fear has gripped residents of Gasenyi Village, Mabungo Parish, Nyarusiza Sub-county in Kisoro District after a domestic dispute between a couple turned fatal, leaving one dead and the other on the run.
The deceased has been identified as Bosco Rurakabije, a man believed to have been in his 40s. The incident reportedly occurred on the night of Monday, April 6, sending shock and disbelief throughout Nyarusiza Sub-county and surrounding areas.
Preliminary reports indicate that Rurakabije was allegedly killed by his wife, Juliet Nyiraguhirwa, following what is believed to have been a history of domestic violence in their home.
Rurakabije’s brother, Alisen Bizimana, said he was alerted early in the morning by the deceased’s son. Upon arriving at the scene, he found his brother dead with multiple cuts.
“The couple had a history of frequent misunderstandings, violence, and excessive alcohol consumption, which had raised concern among family members and neighbors,” Bizimana said.
The couple’s 15-year-old son, Fabiano Irakiza, who witnessed the incident, said the fight began shortly after his father returned home that night. He alleged that his mother overpowered his father and used a knife—reportedly brought by the father—to stab him.
“After stabbing him, my father collapsed immediately, and my mother fled the scene. Our parents often fought at night, with my father frequently threatening to kill my mother,” Fabiano said.
Fabiano appealed to authorities to pardon his mother, saying she may not have intended to kill, and asked for support in caring for the family.
Meanwhile, the couple’s daughter, Gloria Mukandayisanga, said tensions had escalated on Easter Sunday when their father allegedly returned home drunk and threatened to kill their mother.
Residents say the incident highlights growing concerns over domestic violence in the area, often linked to excessive alcohol consumption. They are calling for urgent intervention from authorities and community leaders.
The LC1 Chairperson of Gasenyi Village, Venansi Munyanganizi, confirmed the incident, noting that the couple had long-standing domestic conflicts that may have contributed to the fatal outcome. He added that cases of family conflict are on the rise in the area, largely driven by alcoholism, and that local leaders are working on measures to regulate alcohol consumption.
Police in Kisoro District have been notified and have launched investigations into the matter. The body of the deceased was taken to Kisoro Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect as investigations progress. Cases of domestic violence remain a growing concern across communities, with leaders urging families to seek peaceful conflict resolution.