Security threat causes Rwandan genocide suspect to be moved to Pollsmoor Prison! Fulgence Kayishema, a Rwandan genocide suspect, has been transferred from Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town to Helderstroom Prison in Caledon due to a security threat.
This was revealed by state prosecutors during a hearing at the Cape Town Regional Court on Thursday, where Kayishema was scheduled to appear. However, due to logistical issues, the 64-year-old was unable to attend.
Background on Kayishema’s Arrest and Charges
Kayishema, believed to be one of the last remaining fugitives connected to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has been on the run for more than two decades. He was arrested in May last year while hiding on a farm in Paarl, South Africa, living under a false identity. Since his arrest, Kayishema has been held in South African prisons, facing a series of charges, including 56 immigration-related offenses.
The Rwandan genocide in 1994 resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people, primarily Tutsi civilians. Kayishema is accused of playing a significant role in the atrocities committed during this dark chapter in Rwanda’s history. His capture last year marked a significant step in bringing those responsible for the genocide to justice.
Court Proceedings and Delays
Kayishema was scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Regional Court on Thursday, but his transfer from Helderstroom Prison, located in Caledon, was delayed, preventing him from making his court appearance. The state has not provided specific details about the nature of the security threat, but the decision to move him suggests there were serious concerns about his safety at Pollsmoor.
His next court appearance has been set for November 28, when he is expected to face charges related to immigration violations and his role in the genocide.
Family Reaction to the Security Threat
The Kayishema family spokesperson, Joseph Habinshuti, expressed concern but was unsurprised by the news of a threat to Kayishema’s safety in prison. According to Habinshuti, the family believes that Kayishema is innocent and that the charges against him are part of a politically motivated vendetta.
“Our man is innocent, but because there is a vendetta in our country, whoever they don’t want, they put any charge, and when they can’t, they eliminate him. That’s what we’re seeing now,” said Habinshuti, indicating a belief that there are forces at play beyond the legal charges Kayishema faces.
Kayishema’s Long History on the Run
Before his arrest in South Africa, Kayishema had evaded capture for more than 20 years. After fleeing Rwanda following the genocide, he reportedly lived in various countries before settling in South Africa, where he assumed a false identity. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda had long sought Kayishema as part of its efforts to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 genocide.
His capture was seen as a major victory for international justice, especially given that many of those involved in the genocide have either died or remain at large. Kayishema’s case is particularly significant due to his alleged high-ranking involvement in orchestrating the atrocities.
The Road Ahead
As Kayishema prepares for his next court appearance in November, attention will likely focus on both the immigration charges he faces in South Africa and the broader implications of his involvement in the Rwandan genocide. His transfer to Helderstroom Prison due to security concerns indicates that his case remains a sensitive and high-profile matter, not only in South Africa but internationally.
The international community continues to keep a close watch on the legal proceedings, given the historical significance of the Rwandan genocide and the enduring quest for justice for the victims. While Kayishema’s family maintains his innocence, the legal process will determine whether he will be held accountable for his alleged role in one of the 20th century’s most horrific genocides.
