POLICE IN NYANZA District are hunting for three people accused of assaulting a cell leader in the rural Rwabicuma Sector.

Gilbert Nsengimana, the leader of Runga Cell, was allegedly attacked as he was called in by farmers over a dispute that followed allegations that cattle from the neighbouring Nyagisozi  Sector had crossed over and were being fed on their crops.

Information from the victim, Police and witnesses indicate that as the leader tried to restrain the cattle keepers from grazing their herds from farmlands, he was attacked by a mob.

"He was hit in the head and had to be admitted at Nyanza Hospital. His life is out of danger,” medical sources told Saturday Times.

Two other reservists (Inkeragutabara) who were with him were also attacked and left with minor injuries; one on the hand, and another on the shoulder.

At the time of the incident, they were trying to stop cattle keepers from grazing their animals in Mwogo marshland where residents had complained that the animals destroy their crops and damage water channels used in irrigation.

On the run

The Southern region Police spokesperson, Hubert Gashagaza, told Saturday Times that Police are doing their best to apprehend the individuals (names withheld), who are on the run after the incident on Wednesday evening.

Once arrested, they will be charged with aggravated assault and battery, a crime punishable with between two to five years in jail.

"Rwanda is a country that follows the rule of law. You can’t violate laws and think you will go unpunished,” Gashagaza said, warning that such behaviours cannot and will never be tolerated within the Rwandan community.

He also advised residents to respect their leaders.