Fulgence Kayishema's impending transfer from South Africa explained
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Fulgence Kayishema appears in the Cape Town Magistrates Court, in Cape Town, South Africa May 26, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

The Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) has disclosed the step-by-step process of extraditing Fulgence Kayishema, one of the most sought-after suspects of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, who was recently apprehended in South Africa.

In an interview with The New Times, Faustin Nkusi, the spokesperson for the Prosecution, outlined the ongoing court proceedings as a crucial stage leading to Kayishema's transfer. Nkusi explained that once the South African court process concludes, Kayishema will first be transferred to Arusha, where he will face the United Nations' International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). Subsequently, he is expected to be extradited to Rwanda.

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When questioned about the unrelated crimes Kayishema is facing prosecution for in South Africa, Nkusi refrained from commenting.

However, Nkusi did acknowledge that the transfer process is an integral aspect of his case, indicating that he will stand trial for his involvement in the genocide. Nkusi expressed optimism that this transfer will occur "soon."

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Kayishema is scheduled to appear in court again on June 2, facing not only charges related to the genocide but also five additional charges against him.

Eric Ntabazalila, a provincial spokesperson for the South African National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that Kayishema is being investigated for five charges, including two counts of fraud and three charges related to illegal residency in South Africa.

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In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ntabazalila provided details about the charges. He explained that the first fraud case occurred in January 2000 when Kayishema applied for asylum using a false name and claimed to be from Burundi. The second fraud case took place in 2004 when he applied for refugee status, again using the same false name and claiming to be from Burundi.

According to Ntabazalila, the suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. It is possible that additional charges may arise as more evidence is uncovered. Ntabazalila also revealed that the investigation is a joint effort involving Interpol, underscoring the suspect's alleged involvement in the genocide against the Tutsi.

Kayishema, 63, a prominent suspect in the Genocide against the Tutsi, was arrested on Wednesday, May 25, in Paarl, South Africa, after evading justice for over two decades.

South African police said the arrest was made in response to an Interpol red notice, and the suspect had been living under the false name of Donatien Nibashumba.

As the former head of the genocidal government's judicial police in the former Kibuye prefecture, Kayishema is accused of playing a pivotal role in planning and executing the killings of approximately 2,000 Tutsis at the Nyange Catholic Church during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.