Six suspects are being tried for trying to kill Gen. Nyamwasa; opposition leaders believe Gen. Kagame’s regime is behind Kalegeya’s slaying
[Op-Ed]
Two days ago, the Rwandan opposition platform confirmed the assassination of key figure Colonel Patrick Karegeya, found dead in a Johannesburg Hotel.
Yesterday his body was transferred from the Hotel Michelangelo Towers to the mortuary for further police investigation. The circumstances of his death are clearer. New information suggests that he has been strangled with a rope by many assailants hidden inside a hotel room where Karegeya was supposed to meet a Rwandan businessman “ Appolo” who has disappeared since.
“His body was found in the hotel room” said police spokeswoman Lt. Col. Katlego Mogale. “A towel with blood and a rope were found in the hotel room safe. There is a possibility that he might have been strangled”.
It has been established that the slain opposition leader went to the hotel for a meeting with this contact, after a phone call.
Similar assassination attempts against Rwandan opposition key figures have occurred in South Africa. General Kayumba Nyamwasa, the former Army Chief of staff, narrowly survived a double attempt in June 2010 in Johannesburg.
Foreign security services in many other countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, UK, France, Belgium, USA, Sweden, Finland, etc) have warned and investigated assassination threats of Rwandan opposition and critics, or attempts, kidnappings, by Rwandan intelligence services operatives.
Amahoro People’s Congress, FDU- INKINGI, and Rwanda National Congress remind all members of opposition parties, especially those living in exile to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
We will continue to update you on this tragic death as new information comes in.
