Genocide fugitive Fulgence Kayishema CAUGHT in Paarl

One of the world’s most wanted genocide fugitives was arrested in Paarl, Western Cape, after decades on the run. Fulgence Kayishema, who allegedly orchestrated the murder of approximately 2000 Tutsis in Rwanda, was captured on Wednesday, 24 May.

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INTERNATIONAL AND SOUTH AFRICAN AUTHORITIES COLLABORATE TO CAPTURE FULGENCE KAYISHEMA

Kayishema was nabbed in a joint operation between the IRMCT Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) Fugitive Tracking Team and South African law enforcement authorities.

The fugitive has been at large since 2001. He allegedly massacred women, men, children and the elderly at the Nyange Catholic Church during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

“Fulgence Kayishema was a fugitive for more than twenty years. His arrest ensures that he will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.

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“Genocide is the most serious crime known to humankind. The international community has committed to ensure that its perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished. This arrest is a tangible demonstration that this commitment does not fade and that justice will be done, no matter how long it takes,” said IRMCT Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz.

RECENT ARREST ADDS TO THE LIST OF APPREHENDED RWANDAN GENOCIDE FUGITIVES

Kayishema was indicted and charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and crimes against humanity by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2001.

During his years on the run, the accused used many aliases and false documents to conceal his identity. He was reportedly living in Paarl under such an alias.

He evaded capture with the help of a network of supporters, ex-Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, and those aligned with the genocidal Hutu Power ideology.

Since 2020, five fugitives allegedly involved in the Rwandan genocide, including Félicien Kabuga, Augustin Bizimana, Protais Mpiranya, and Phéneas Munyarugarama, have been apprehended.

Only three fugitives now remain at large. Kayishema is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 26 May.

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This article was originally published by STORM SIMPSON.