The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Karongi District, Western Province, has announced the arrest of Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, who is accused of assaulting his fiancée, Nyiraminani Annonciatha.
Emmanuel, a resident of Murundi Sector, was taken into custody on October 24, 2025, in connection with the alleged attack. Annonciatha reportedly suffered injuries after being physically assaulted by Emmanuel over a dispute regarding 30 roofing sheets that she had promised to provide for the house they intended to live in following their marriage ceremony on May 29, 2025.
According to reports from Imvaho Nshya, Emmanuel is being held at the Murundi RIB station, while Annonciatha is receiving medical treatment at Rufunzo Health Center.
A family member of the victim, who requested anonymity, expressed outrage at the assault, explaining that the couple had legally pledged to marry in Murundi Sector on May 29, 2025. They were planning to register their church wedding at an EPR church on November 28, 2025, and hold the religious ceremony in January 2026.
The family member added, “We were shocked that Emmanuel assaulted her simply over the roofing sheets she had promised. The house was not yet ready, and this should not have been a reason for such violence.”
Neighbors of Annonciatha confirmed the engagement and noted that while the promise of roofing sheets may have been made, the house was not yet completed, and there was no justification for the assault. They also mentioned that the couple’s age difference—Annonciatha is 31 and Emmanuel 23—may have contributed to tensions in the relationship.
The Executive Secretary of Murundi Sector, Niyonsaba Cryiaque, confirmed Emmanuel’s arrest and expressed regret over the incident. He explained that Emmanuel had visited his fiancée at her home in Bukiro Village on the evening of October 24, 2025, where a disagreement over the roofing sheets escalated into violence. Emmanuel allegedly removed Annonciatha’s clothing and physically assaulted her.
Niyonsaba advised Emmanuel to refrain from violence and urged Annonciatha to exercise caution before proceeding with the marriage.
