BK reassures clients after fatal armed robbery at Ruhango branch

Bank of Kigali has said it will not be deterred from serving Rwandans following Tuesday’s incident in which armed robbers killed its staff. One person was killed and three others wounded during a robbery at Bank of Kigali Buhanda branch in Ruhango District on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred at around 6pm, according to the bank.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Bank of Kigali has said it will not be deterred from serving Rwandans following Tuesday’s incident in which armed robbers killed its staff.

One person was killed and three others wounded during a robbery at Bank of Kigali Buhanda branch in Ruhango District on Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred at around 6pm, according to the bank.

Police spokesperson in the Southern Region, Emmanuel Kayigi, said that the attackers, three gunmen, were wearing military uniform.

He, however, said the thugs were unable to open the safe-deposit box.

The deceased was identified as Quesie Muhawenimana, a bank-clerk at the branch. She was 32. Sources said she had got married four months ago.

Those wounded included branch manager Sylvain Rubayita, the assistant manager Alphonse Muhayimana, as well as the guard Evariste Kagama, according to the bank.

The trio is admitted at King Faisal Hospital Kigali, according to the bank– not CHUK as reported earlier.

"The police had to quickly intervene and investigations are going on as we speak. Early this morning (Wednesday) the Governor of Southern Province is holding a security meeting with people of Buhanda, and local and security authorities in the area,” Kayigi added.

By press time, no suspect had been arrested in connection with the attack, according to Kayigi but the security meeting was expected to provide some leads.

In a statement on Wednesday, BK said the Buhanda branch had been closed temporarily with hope it would re-open in a week’s time.

"We stand with her (late]) family in this period of trial. Management is also in direct contact with the injured staff: ( they were)  injured while battling the armed thugs,” it said.

"Moving forward, Bank of Kigali remains committed to serving Rwandans in all parts of the country, including Buhanda because we have full and firm confidence in the capacity of security forces of our country to protect our people, and businesses. The cowardly and barbaric act of the thugs shall not deter us now or in the future from serving Rwandans across the country in our current network of 80 branches.”

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