Fulgence Kayishema, one of the last fugitives sought for their role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, appeared before a Cape Town court after being arrested following 22 years on the run.The former Rwandan police inspector was arrested at a grape farm in Paarl, 60 kilometres north of Cape Town, according to UN investigators. Photographer : Phando Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA)
Johannesburg - Former Rwandan police officer Ukiliho Kayishema Fulgence, who is accused of committing war crimes for his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has launched an application for asylum, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
NPA Regional Communications Manager for the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said that Fulgence is facing 54 charges, which comprise 9 counts of fraud, 10 counts of contravention of Section 37(a) of the Refugees Act 130 of 1998, read with Section 1 of the said Act, and 35 counts of Contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, read with Section 1 of the said Act. He told the court through his lawyer that he was abandoning his bail application at this stage.
‘’On June 9, 2023, the State provided a comprehensive charge to the defence, and the defence requested a postponement to consult their client. Today, Fulgence’s lawyer, Juan Smuts, confirmed that they did consult with their client, and he instructed them that he was abandoning his bail application at this stage. He did not indicate whether his client intends to bring a bail application at a later stage. The State will oppose the bail application,’’ said Ntabazalila.
Fulgence, 61, who has been on the run since 1994 in connection with genocide in the east African country, was arrested in Paarl, about 60 km outside of Cape Town.
He is alleged to have orchestrated the killing of 2 000 women, men, and children at a church in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres last month said that his apprehension sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed such crimes cannot evade justice and will eventually be held accountable, even more than a quarter of a century later.
The European Union also welcomed the arrest, saying that the international community is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are prosecuted and punished.
The Star