The High Court of Ngoma, sitting in Mutenderi Sector, on Tuesday conducted a public hearing in a case involving Hakizimana, commonly known as Shehe, his wife Claudine Musengimana, and co-accused, who are charged with the murder of Mukaremezo Xaverine, the mother of Hakizimana.
The Ngoma Higher Prosecution Office told court that the accused had jointly planned and executed the killing of the victim on May 1, 2026, in what prosecutors described as a premeditated act.
According to the prosecution, the case is linked to an earlier dispute involving the theft of Rwf2.5 million from the victim. Although the suspect was initially arrested, she later forgave her son, leading to his release under a reconciliation agreement that required partial repayment of the stolen funds.
Prosecutors alleged that the agreement was not honoured, and that tensions escalated after the accused failed to repay the remaining amount, eventually leading to a plan to kill the victim.
On the day of the incident, the victim was reportedly invited to the residence under the pretext that her son had secured the money and was ready to repay her. Upon arrival, she found her son and daughter-in-law, greeted them, and entered the house.
The prosecution told court that Hakizimana contacted an accomplice identified as Nzabonimana, offering him Rwf50,000 to assist in killing his mother. It is further alleged that the daughter-in-law remained with the victim while drafting a written repayment agreement as a diversion.
Nzabonimana is said to have later joined Hakizimana at the residence, after which the victim was strangled using a cloth. Prosecutors further alleged that the body was placed in a pit dug in the compound and covered in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The following day, a mason was allegedly called to help cover the pit with cement, during which suspicions reportedly arose. The area was later sealed, further obscuring the scene.
The crime was uncovered after the victim was reported missing, prompting investigations that led authorities to the burial site beneath the cemented structure.
Hakizimana is reported to have admitted involvement in the killing, stating that he participated in the act alongside Nzabonimana and later attempted to conceal the crime. His wife, however, denied involvement, saying she had been sent away and only learned of the incident afterwards.
The prosecution requested life imprisonment for all the accused, citing their direct participation in the killing.
The court announced that the judgment will be delivered on June 9, 2026.
