Sergeant Minani Gervais, a soldier in the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), is facing charges of premeditated murder for fatally shooting five civilians.
Prosecutors have called for a life sentence due to the gravity of his actions.
The prosecution made this request on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, during a public trial held at the crime scene in Karambi Sector, Urubyiruko Village, Nyamasheke District.
Sgt Minani is charged with intentional homicide, disobeying military orders, and unlawfully concealing and tampering with firearms.
During the trial, his defense team raised concerns about his health, which medical experts later dismissed as unfounded, suggesting it was an attempt to delay the proceedings.
The prosecution has demanded the following penalties:
Life imprisonment for intentional homicide, Five years in prison for theft and destruction of military equipment, and One year in prison for unlawful use of a firearm.
The court announced that the verdict will be delivered on December 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM.
The incident occurred at 7:00 PM on November 13, 2024, when the 39-year-old sergeant opened fire in a bar, killing five individuals: Benemugabo Denis (17), Habumugisha Onesphore (20), Sindayiheba Zephanie (44), Muhawenimana Jonas (35), and Nsekambabaye Ezira (51)
All five victims died instantly.
Following the shootings, Sgt Minani fled the scene but was apprehended in Hanika. The victims’ bodies were transported to Kibogora Hospital mortuary before being laid to rest.
During the funeral, RDF officials expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of justice and support.