EDITOR
A family of five in Chahafi Town Council, Bufumbira East Constituency in Kisoro District, has been left homeless after suspected thugs set their house ablaze, destroying property and cash.
Denis Tumwizere, 31, a resident of Gatete Village in North Ward, said the incident occurred on Sunday while he and his wife, Yudita Ntakirutimana, had attended a burial. Their children were also away from home at the time.
Upon returning, the couple found their house partially burnt and all their belongings reduced to ashes. The destroyed property included clothes, food crops such as beans and maize, bedding items like mattresses, blankets, and mats, as well as Shs 1.5 million. Tumwizere said the money had been withdrawn from a cooperative society to purchase Irish potato seedlings.
The family is now appealing to relevant authorities and well-wishers for urgent support, including food, clothing, and iron sheets for shelter, as they currently have nowhere to stay.
Tumwizere noted that he and his wife are casual labourers and cannot afford to replace the lost property. He also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible for the suspected arson.
Nzabanita John Mary Vian, a committee member under the Local Council leadership, confirmed the incident. He said he visited the scene after receiving reports and found all household property destroyed.
He also appealed to well-wishers to support the affected family, which is currently taking shelter at a neighbour’s home with their four children.
Nzabanita further urged police to strengthen security in the area, citing a rise in theft cases. He noted that residents are increasingly losing crops such as bananas, maize, beans, and Irish potatoes, as well as livestock, to thieves.
In some cases, locals have been forced to keep animals inside their homes at night due to the growing insecurity.
The case was reported at Murora Police Station and registered under an arson reference number SD/REF/09/22/03/36.
