By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Fulgence Kayishema, a long-sought-after fugitive linked to the Rwandan genocide, has made his first appearance before a court in Cape Town, South Africa. Following his recent arrest after 22 years on the run, Kayishema faces accusations of participating in one of the bloodiest episodes of the 1994 genocide, involving the killing of 2,000 people seeking refuge inside a Catholic church.
On Wednesday 24th May, Kayishema was apprehended on a grape farm in Paarl, located approximately 60km north of Cape Town, under the assumed name of Donatien Nibashumba. South African law enforcement acted upon an Interpol red notice, a global alert system that seeks the location and arrest of fugitives wanted for prosecution or serving prison sentences. Red notices are international alerts issued to aid in the location and apprehension of fugitives wanted for prosecution.
During his initial court hearing at Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, Kayishema entered with a Bible and a book bearing the words “Jesus First.” When asked if he had any words for the victims, he responded from the holding cells, expressing his condolences for the tragic events but denying personal involvement. The 62-year-old’s appearance in court was accompanied by masked police officers armed with automatic weapons and bullet-resistant vests. The case was postponed to June 2 to allow for further investigation and potential additional charges.
Kayishema’s arrest marks a crucial development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Rwandan genocide. Described as an “important” figure among the perpetrators, his alleged role in the mass killings at the Nyange Catholic Church shattered a crucial taboo during the genocide. The meticulously planned and executed atrocities claimed the lives of over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus, making it one of the 20th century’s most horrific acts of violence.
Since being indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2001, Kayishema had successfully evaded justice, finding refuge among fellow refugees in various countries. His path took him from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a refugee camp in Tanzania, then to Mozambique, eSwatini, and ultimately to South Africa. The prosecution received assistance from former Rwandan soldiers living in South Africa under false identities, providing crucial information that led to Kayishema’s arrest.
Kayishema will be held at Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town while awaiting extradition to Rwanda. In South Africa, he faces five charges, including two counts of fraud related to fraudulent asylum and refugee status applications. The National Prosecution Authroity intends to oppose bail if requested by the defense. The progression of the case will be closely monitored by those seeking justice for the Rwandan genocide victims.
