At the Busasamana station of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Rubavu District, 49-year-old Karire Gaudance has been arrested for statements revealing that her father killed 10 Tutsi during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but only disclosed the location of three bodies, concealing information about the remaining seven.
Gérard Mbarushimana, the representative of the Ibuka organization in Rubavu District, stated that the woman, originally from Mukingo Village, Makurizo Cell, Cyanzarwe Sector, Rubavu District, lived with her parents near the Busasamana Catholic Parish during the genocide. She currently resides in Bihe Village, Rungu Cell, Mudende Sector.
Mbarushimana explained that when the woman returned home drunk on the night of November 6 to 7, 2025, she had an argument with her husband. She reportedly said she could kill him as her father had killed 10 Tutsi children who had sought refuge in their home during the genocide.
He said, “Those words angered her husband, escalating the conflict. She appeared to flee from him, and when local authorities asked her where she was going that night, instead of replying about the argument, she repeated that her father had killed 10 Tutsi children of her age who were in primary school. The authorities heard her unusual statements and asked for clarification. She admitted that her father had only shown three bodies, which were buried with honors, while the other seven were never disclosed.”
Mbarushimana added that when detained, the woman initially admitted knowing the location of the hidden bodies. However, after being handed over to security authorities, she began to deny the information.
He said, “What saddened us most as Ibuka is that this was not the first time she had concealed such information. Previously, she told her husband about her father killing the Tutsi children, including those 10, but this information was ignored, and the hidden bodies were never properly reported or recovered for dignified burial.”
Mbarushimana said he requested Cyanzarwe Sector authorities to organize a community meeting, with RIB facilitating the woman to publicly repeat her statements, explain how the children were killed, provide their names, and reveal the location of the seven undisclosed bodies.
He noted that it remains unknown whether the woman’s father, Gatashya Laurent, who is accused of killing these children, is still alive and able to provide information. All matters will be thoroughly investigated, and authorities aim to have all information clarified within a week.
He added that there may be other individuals who are hiding information about Tutsi killed in the former Mutura Commune, which had a large Tutsi population, emphasizing the need for cooperation between local authorities and residents to ensure all such information is reported.
Mugisha Honoré, Executive Secretary of Cyanzarwe Sector, stated that the woman has now agreed to fully disclose all information she possesses.
He said, “When she was brought to the investigation bureau, there is hope that new information will emerge, revealing where the undiscovered bodies were dumped so they can be recovered and buried with honor. Based on her statements while detained, it is clear she knows a lot that has been hidden and will now come to light.”
He assured Ibuka and survivors of the 1994 Genocide in the area that the hidden information regarding the bodies would be closely followed up on. Residents who have information about undiscovered bodies are urged to come forward, as they will face no repercussions, whereas anyone hiding known information will be held accountable.
