Nyamasheke: Sergeant Minani Gervais was arraigned before a military tribunal today on murder charges related to the deaths of five civilians in Nyamasheke district on 13 November 2024, as a panel of military judges formally read the charges against him.
He was arrested shortly after the shooting with assistance from local residents and is now standing trial in the presence of the victims’ families and the community.
During the court proceeding, his defence counsel raised the unfavorable health condition of the accused, claiming he was unhealthy to stand trial, but medical professionals confirmed his good health, leading the judges not to grant the defence counsel’s request.
The prosecution has charged Sgt Minani with premeditated murder, unlawful use of a firearm, and destruction of military property, requesting life imprisonment for the murder charge, five years for the theft and damage to military equipment, and one year for the unlawful use of a weapon.
The court has scheduled the verdict to be delivered on 9 December 2024, at 2:00 PM. (End)