Police have confirmed the arrest of two prime suspects in a series of armed robberies that have rocked Kisoro District in recent months.
The suspects, identified as Irankunda Gerald alias Ndereya and Habyarimana Vallence, were apprehended during a coordinated operation on June 27, 2025, in the villages of Karumena and Kisoro Hill, respectively.
According to police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the breakthrough came after Irankunda Gerald led officers to a hideout in Kisoro Hill village, where he had concealed an AK-47 assault rifle.
The recovery also included one magazine, a live round of ammunition, a pair of police khaki trousers, and a pair of suspected police jungle boots.
“These items were promptly recovered by our officers following actionable intelligence and cooperation from the suspect,” ACP Kituuma Rusoke said in a statement issued Monday.
During interrogation, Irankunda confessed to his involvement in four armed robbery incidents in Kisoro District, specifically targeting areas of Mugombero Town Center, Natate, and Mutorole.
The cases have been registered at Kisoro Central Police Station under criminal reference numbers CRB 303/2025, 304/2025, 381/2025, and 402/2025.
Investigations further revealed that Irankunda had previously escaped from custody at Ruti Police Station in Mbarara, where he was being held by the Flying Squad Unit after an initial arrest in Kisoro.
His re-arrest marks a significant development in the efforts to combat organized armed crime in the region.
The suspect also named his accomplices, including Habyarimana Vallence, a Rwandese national, and Anthony Imanirakiza, who had earlier been apprehended by members of the local community and handed over to Kisoro Police.
“Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other suspects who remain at large. We call upon members of the public to share any information that may assist in ongoing investigations,” Rusoke added.
