Property disputes see rise in domestic violence

Despite efforts by several authorities to curb domestic violence, latest records indicate that several people continue to lose their lives under circumstances that could easily be prevented.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009
REVEALED; John Uwamungu

Despite efforts by several authorities to curb domestic violence, latest records indicate that several people continue to lose their lives under circumstances that could easily be prevented.

Police records show that in the past weeks, several people were killed by their close relatives under circumstances linked to family wrangles resulting mainly from property disputes.

The other contributing factor to this rise in violence is the illegal use of drugs.

Currently, Police is holding a man who recently strangled his father to death accusing him of poisoning his wife and two children to death.

On the night of July 31, Laurent Mudaheranwa 56 a resident of Nyabimata sector in Nyaruguru district, attacked his father Patrick Rukara 86, and strangled him to death.

Mudaheranwa has since pleaded guilty and is currently held at Munini police post.

This murder case follows another of a man who murdered his wife and hanged himself with a rope. Polycarpe Gasangwa, 33, allegedly killed his wife Ernestine Gahongayire 37 after the couple had a disagreement over family property.

A third similar case happened in eastern province where a man stabbed his two years old child with an umbrella.

The man who is currently under custody claimed to have been under the influence of drugs when he committed the act.

 "Authorities at the grass root levels should work closely with people to ensure that they solve any form of grievance that might result in death,” Police Spokesman, John Uwamungu said.

He also called upon the population to report to the authorities any suspicious situation amongst their neighbours.

Ends