…in the arrest of Rwandan Genocide fugitive
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – “Excellent cooperation”.
This is what was said by the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) to the Eswatini Government. This was in reference to the role the Kingdom of Eswatini played in the arrest of one of the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide, Fulgence Kayishema.
A statement released by Government spokesperson confirmed that a delegation from the IRMCT visited Government officials today, where Minister of Justice Pholile Shakantu was representing the Prime Minister. The Minister thanked the IRCMT for updating them on the case, andfor recognising the country’s role in the apprehension of the fugitive.
The fugitive Kaiyshema was arrested in the Republic of South Africa on May 24. According to the statement by Government, the Kingdom of Eswatini had been credited for creating a joint task force with the IRMCT, following that the fugitive had once stayed in Eswatini as a refugee.
The Minister of Justice added that she was happy that the families of the victims of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide had finally found closure, following Kayishema’s apprehension. Kayishema had been on the run for 20 years, having been charged with participating in the killing of over 2,000 Rwandans.
Speaking on behalf of the IRMCT, the Deputy to the Prosecutor Kevin Hughes expresses the appreciation of the IRMCT, the UN Security Council, and the Government of Rwanda for Eswatini’s excellent cooperation in the mission. The IRMCT delegation also comprised of IRMCT Security Inspector Kigali Bram van der Erden, and Fugitive Tracking Coordinator, Ewan Brown.
The Eswatini Government delegation also comprised of Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindelwa, National Commissioner to the Police William Dlamini, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Lomvula Hlophe, Principal Crown Counsel Mcebo Nxumalo, Deputy National Commissioners Mumcy Dlamini and Shadrack Ntshalintshali, Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart, and Legal Advisor Zandile Dhlamini.
