Police in Rukungiri District have launched investigations into the suspected murder of an 83-year-old woman whose body was discovered inside her locked house in Kyato Village, Nyakitabire Parish, Ruhinda Sub-county.
The deceased, identified as Fausta Nzarirehi, was last seen alive on September 27. However, residents became alarmed the following day when her house remained locked from the inside throughout Sunday, with no sign of movement.
Her husband, Bindeeba Joseph, who had long separated from her and was living with another wife, alerted Kyato Village Chairperson, Mutabazi Francis, after attempts to access the house failed. Upon inspection, one of the windows was found closed but not secured with a bolt.
The matter was reported to Ruhinda Police Station around midnight. When officers gained entry, they discovered Nzarirehi’s lifeless body lying in her bedroom facing upwards.
According to police spokesperson ASP Maate Elly, preliminary findings indicate a long-standing land dispute between Nzarirehi and her co-wife, Tuhirirwe Harriet. The conflict had previously been mediated in 2021 by the Ruhinda Sub-county LC III chairperson, who ruled that Nzarirehi retain the land on condition that she would not sell it.
Maate said that Police processed the crime scene, and the body was transported to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
“Inquiries into the matter are ongoing,” ASP Maate confirmed.
Authorities are urging community members to provide any relevant information that could assist in the investigation.
