A 62-year-old man suspected of taking part in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has been arrested in Karongi District after more than three decades in hiding.
The suspect, identified as Faustin Ndindabahizi, was captured at the Rubengera Sector Office as he came to request land-related services. Authorities said the arrest was made possible after residents recognized him and alerted the police.
According to reports from Imvaho Nshya, Ndindabahizi immediately confessed to his involvement in the genocide and said he was ready to explain how he managed to evade arrest for 31 years.
Survivors living in the area said he participated in the killings together with his brothers before fleeing to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1994. The Gacaca Court of Kibirizi had earlier sentenced him in absentia to 30 years in prison for his role in the atrocities.
It is reported that Ndindabahizi secretly returned to Rwanda in 2021 and reunited with his wife, who had returned earlier. The couple settled in Kamihaho Village, Gitega Cell, Gitesi Sector, still within Karongi District.
One survivor, Mukakimenyi Suzanne, whose relatives were killed during the genocide, said she learned about his return while receiving treatment at Kibuye Hospital.
“I met a woman named Chantal who told me she often saw him and even knew where he lived, though he rarely came out,” she said.
She added that his wife had been selling family property, and Ndindabahizi would secretly appear to receive payments before disappearing again.
Faustin Ayabagabo, the Executive Secretary of Rubengera Sector, confirmed the arrest.
“He was caught while requesting land transfer services at the sector office. He immediately confessed without resistance and revealed the names of his accomplices, including his brothers, who are still believed to be hiding in the DRC,” Ayabagabo said.
The local official added that Ndindabahizi expressed willingness to share full details of how he managed to live in hiding for 31 years.