RUBIRIZI
Police in Rubirizi District have launched investigations into a suspected suicide incident that occured in Katara III Village, Katera Parish, Kichwamba Sub-county on Friday October 10.
The deceased, identified as Katushabe Manuelina, aged 53, was found hanging from a tree in her garden located in Kyamengo, Katara Parish.
John Patrick Behangana, the LC1 Chairperson of Katara III Village, said the deceased’s family had long been embroiled in domestic conflicts, mostly linked to a 13-year-old girl allegedly born outside the wedlock among other misunderstandings.
“As leaders, we tried several times to mediate between them, but tensions persisted. It’s very painful to see that this conflict has ended in such a tragic way,” Behangana said, urging families to embrace dialogue as a peaceful way of resolving disputes than resorting to violence.
The deceased’s husband, Deo Twine Makaya, told reports that the disagreement between the couple stemmed from a misunderstanding about the 13-year-old girl.
He narrated that on the day of the incident, he had gone to work in his gardens, only to return home and find his wife missing. Family members and neighbors mounted a search, which tragically ended four days later when they discovered her body hanging from a nearby tree. The couple had been married for many years and had four children together.
The Officer-in-Charge of Kichwamba Police Station, Julius Masereka confirmed the incident and said police crime scene officers had visited the area.
“We found the body of the deceased hanging and have since taken it to Rugazi Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination as investigations continue,” Masereka said.
“We advise families to embrace forgiveness and rely on God in solving disputes instead of resorting to violence. Domestic violence leaves families broken, children orphaned, and communities traumatized,” he emphasized.
Masereka also urged residents to report early signs of domestic violence to local leaders and police for timely intervention.
Residents appealed to the public to seek peaceful conflict resolution rather than resorting to violence.
“Let’s utilize the guidance of authorities and local leaders to settle our grievances. Violence only destroys families and our communities,” they said.
Residents expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence in Kichwamba Sub-county, several of which have ended in deaths in recent months. They called on local leaders, religious institutions, and community members to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and mental health awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
Police investigations are ongoing, and more details will be provided as authorities release new findings.
