Witnesses pin Adventist pastor in Gacaca

MUHANGA – Several witnesses have testified against Pastor Pedaie Ntihanabayo, who is accused of concealing information about the death of Eleazar Mpumpuje- who was killed at the Nyabisindu Adventist Church in Muhanga district during the 1994 Genocide. Appearing before Gahogo Gacaca Appeal court on Monday, the witnesses said pastor Ntihanabayo was fully aware of what happened to Mpumpuje. “The Pastor was told of the death of Mpumpuje and he did nothing yet he claims that they were friends,” one witness stated. Pastor Ntihanabayo however, denied the allegations, insisting that he had no information on Mpumpuje’s death. The victims’ remains including remains of other unidentified genocide victims were exhumed on January 27 in front of the church premises. The accused pastor and other six Christians had earlier been freed of genocide charges by the Gahogo Gacaca court. However, the decision was overturned by the National Gacaca Jurisdictions after the family of victim raised concerns. Hearing continues and later this week. Ends