Post mortem underway as Zimbabwe probes murder of Rwandan businessman

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are investigating the brutal murder of Samuel Habimana (49), a Rwandan national and successful businessman, who was killed in his house in Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls, Harare, on May 17, 2024.

According to a police memo seen by Nehanda Radio, Habimana, who owned a transport company and a grocery shop, was shot in the neck by armed robbers who broke into his house around 10 pm.

Investigations are under way at ZRP Waterfalls under case number, RRB 6003557.

Habimana was shot in the neck by armed robbers who broke into his house around 2130 hours. The robbers took an unknown amount of cash from his pockets and a Samsung cellphone, DVR, and handbag containing keys from his wife.

The police are still investigating the incident and have recovered US$2100 from the deceased’s pocket. The deceased’s wife stated that the money was petty cash for daily expenses and that they did not carry business money home.

The police are yet to arrest the accused persons and recover the stolen property.

Habimana’s cause of death is yet to be ascertained pending a post-mortem examination.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Rwandan community, with many believing it was an assassination orchestrated by the regime of President Paul Kagame in Kigali.

Habimana’s wife, son, and housekeeper were also present during the attack, and the housekeeper had noticed four men lurking outside the perimeter wall before the robbers forced their way in.

The police are still investigating the incident, but the Rwandan community remains fearful and vigilant.

Ansbert Nkundineza, a former Rwandan refugee and leading opposition figure in exile, has since condemned the attack and called upon the government of Zimbabwe to ensure the safety of Rwandan refugees.

He also appealed to the government of Rwanda to cease its transnational repressive activities and initiate dialogue with its critics.

The Rwandan community believes that Habimana’s murder was a targeted assassination. The police are working to establish the motive behind the attack.