Residents of several sectors in Rulindo District, Northern Province, are calling on authorities to take urgent action against criminal groups allegedly linked to illegal mining activities, following the killing of two men reportedly by a gang known as “Wrong Turn.”
Residents from Cyinzuzi, Murambi and Masoro sectors say the group has been terrorizing communities, with the latest incident involving the deaths of Vincent Munyakindi, commonly known as Safari, and Jean Pierre Habakurama, alias Mudimba.
According to residents, the incident happened on the night of Saturday, July 11, 2026, when suspected members of the gang arrived at Gitete trading centre and took away the two men.
They allege that the victims were taken toward Budakiranya before being moved to Rugaragara, where they were assaulted. Their bodies were reportedly discovered along a roadside the following morning.
An eyewitness told Radio 1 that one of the victims was taken from a salon where he was getting a haircut, while the other was picked up from another location in the trading centre.
“They came and took one of them from the salon where he was having his hair cut, and picked up the other nearby. They took them from this trading centre to Rugaragara, where they killed them,” the witness said.
Another resident claimed that one of the victims was handcuffed before being taken away in front of members of the public.
“They arrested our colleague in the trading centre, put handcuffs on him and walked him away while everyone watched. No one dared to intervene,” the resident said.
Residents say fear surrounding the group has made it difficult for communities to resist their activities or report incidents, as many fear becoming targets themselves.
Residents allege gang leader possesses handcuffs
Some residents claim that the group’s leader, identified only as Gafuna, possesses police handcuffs allegedly obtained after escaping from detention.
One resident alleged that Gafuna escaped from Tare detention facility with the handcuffs and their keys.
“Gafuna escaped with the handcuffs and the keys. He still has them,” the resident claimed.
Another resident questioned why repeated complaints had not resulted in action.
“If someone has police handcuffs and people have reported it many times without action, that is a serious concern,” the resident said.
Residents report extortion and intimidation
Residents accuse Wrong Turn and another group known as Gang of carrying out acts of violence, including assaults and extortion, in parts of Rulindo District.
They claim members of the groups sometimes demand money or property from victims in exchange for their release or safety.
“We have groups called Gang and Wrong Turn. People are constantly being beaten. Some have paid to be released, while one person recently gave a calf. If our money and property are taken away, who will protect us?” one resident asked.
Residents are appealing for stronger intervention from security authorities, saying local communities lack the capacity to confront the groups.
Police: 17 suspects arrested
The Rwanda National Police says it has arrested 17 suspects believed to be linked to criminal activities involving such groups.
Northern Province Police spokesperson Chief Inspector of Police Ignace Ngirabakunzi told Radio 1 that investigations are ongoing and more suspects are being pursued.
“So far, 17 people have been arrested and are being investigated over their alleged involvement in these criminal acts, while others are still being searched for,” he said.
Police reiterated that they will not tolerate criminal activities that threaten public safety.
Illegal mining and criminal gangs
Security concerns linked to illegal mining have been reported in different parts of Rwanda, where unauthorized mining activities have sometimes been associated with criminal networks accused of intimidating communities.
Apart from Wrong Turn, residents have also mentioned groups operating under names such as Abahebyi, Abapari and Imparata, which they say have been involved in activities that threaten public order.
Authorities have continued efforts to combat illegal mining and associated crimes as communities call for increased protection and stronger enforcement.
