The Rwanda National Police has launched a manhunt for a man suspected of killing his partner before fleeing the scene in Kicukiro District, Kigali.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 1, 2026, in Masaka Sector, Mbabe Cell, Sangabo Village. Local authorities identified the suspect as Umazekabiri Faustin, who is accused of killing Umubyeyi Marie Chantal, a woman he was cohabiting with and with whom he had one child.
Preliminary findings indicate that a domestic worker at the residence alerted authorities after hearing a violent altercation between the couple at around 10 a.m. Responding security officers and local leaders arrived to find that the man had allegedly locked the victim inside a room before fleeing.
Authorities were forced to break down the door, where they discovered the woman’s lifeless body inside the house.
Kigali Police spokesperson Wellars Gahonzire confirmed that the suspect remains on the run, with an active search underway.
“We are still searching for him; he has not yet been apprehended,” he said.
Police have used the incident to caution the public against resolving domestic disputes through violence, emphasizing the availability of legal and community mechanisms for conflict resolution.
“Residents are urged to avoid conflicts and seek help from relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence,” Gahonzire added.
As the search continues, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau is expected to carry out a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the suspect is brought to justice while calling on anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.
