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Residents were left in Shock over mysterious death of a 22 year old man
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Rubirizi District
Residents of Ryeru I Village in Ndekye Town, Rubirizi District, were on Monday left in shock after one of their own, Mr. Didas Rubasimbira, 60, was accused of allegedly bewitching his neighbour, Mr. Vincent Saturday, 22. The accusations emerged during a community policing meeting convened by security officials in Ryeru I to address growing tension in the area.
According to Mr. Alex Bob, the LC1 Chairperson of Ryeru I Village, suspicion against Rubasimbira arose after one of his neighbours, Mr. Saturday, suddenly died last month following days of severe headaches.“The deceased was rushed to hospital, but doctors could not find any clear illness. This strengthened local beliefs that Mr. Rubasimbira might have caused his death through witchcraft,” Mr. Bob said.
He added that Rubasimbira was arrested for questioning but later released on police bond as investigations continue. Ms. Everline Kabunjero, the Women Chairperson of Rubirizi Town Council and a neighbour to the suspect, claimed that Rubasimbira had previously been banished from Nyabubare in Bushenyi District for similar allegations, which has further fueled suspicion among locals. “The situation became tense, and we had to call local leaders to intervene before residents took the law into their own hands,” Ms. Kabunjero said.
Meanwhile, Afande Caleb Twesigye, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Rubirizi District Police, confirmed that security personnel have stepped in to calm the situation and restore order. He cautioned residents against mob justice, emphasizing that witchcraft accusations must be handled within the confines of the law.
“We urge residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement officers to investigate the matter thoroughly. Taking the law into your own hands can lead to serious consequences,” Afande Twesigye said. Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Torch Media Africa
