Rwandan Court Orders Detention of Suspected Serial Killer Ahead of Trial

September 27, 2023

KIGALI, Rwanda – A Rwandan court has ruled that Denis Kazungu, a suspected serial killer who has admitted to murdering 14 people, should be detained for 30 days pending his trial. This decision follows the discovery of multiple bodies buried in a hole within Kazungu’s kitchen, shocking the nation and drawing crowds to the courthouse in Kigali for Tuesday’s hearing.

Denis Kazungu, 34, is facing a litany of charges, including murder, rape, forgery, impersonation, and desecration of human corpses, after admitting to the killings. Hundreds of people, including relatives and friends of the victims, gathered at the courthouse for this important legal proceeding.

Last week, Kazungu had pleaded guilty during a court hearing, asserting that he had committed the murders because he believed his victims had infected him with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The judge, in his ruling on Tuesday, noted that Kazungu had shown no signs of remorse and had willingly admitted to the crimes. As a result, the court ordered his detention for 30 days pending his trial.

A visibly handcuffed Kazungu arrived at the courthouse in a prison van, where he faced the anger and frustration of onlookers, with one relative of a victim being escorted out of the court after shouting at the defendant.

“We want nothing but justice. My family deserves justice for the murder of my sister,” said Nadine Ahishakiye, the younger sister of one of the victims, Phanny Tuyizere, 27, expressing the sentiments of many affected families.

The horrifying case came to light earlier this month when police discovered 12 bodies buried in a hole within Kazungu’s kitchen. Prosecutors have revealed that he admitted to killing 14 people, with all but one of the victims being women. Additionally, two victims had been dissolved, and their remains had not yet been found. Kazungu had used the identity of the sole male victim while hunting his prey.

Last week, Kazungu had requested closed-door hearings for his case, a request that was denied by the judge, ensuring transparency in the legal proceedings.

Kazungu had initially been arrested in July on suspicion of robbery and rape, among other charges, but was granted bail due to insufficient evidence, according to the police. It was later revealed that he had confessed to learning his murderous methods by watching films about notorious serial killers. Media reports in Rwanda indicate that Kazungu had held various jobs, including working as an English teacher.