3 Tanzanians found guilty of plot to kill ex-Rwanda army chief
South African court finds three Tanzanians and one Rwandan "guilty of attempted murder" on Friday, after acquitting two others, including the alleged mastermind and Mr. Nyamwasa's former driver. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Tanzanian trio among 6 defendants charged with plotting to kill Mr Nyamwasa, who has emerged as a vocal critic of Rwandan president Paul Kagame since he fled the country in 2010.
Dar es Salaam. Three Tanzanian nationals were on Friday found guilty of trying to kill the former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Army, Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa in 2010.
Hemedi Dendengo Sefu, a Tanzanian, was the triggerman during the attempt on Mr Nyamwasa’s life, reports the BBC.
He was convicted Friday alongside fellow nationals Hassan Mohamedi Nduli and Sady Abdou, and Amani Uriwane, a Rwandan.
The Tanzanian trio are among 6 defendants charged with plotting to kill Mr Nyamwasa, who has emerged as a vocal critic of Rwandan president Paul Kagame since he fled the country in 2010.
The other two defendants were acquitted of all charges.
The verdict was read at a court in Kagiso, about 25km north-west of Johannesburg.
In his ruling, South African magistrate Stanley Mkhari said prosecutors had proven the defendants met several times to plot to kill Mr Nyamwasa, reports the BBC.
The defendants were also found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to Reuters.
The magistrate said evidence had shown the plot to murder Mr Nyamwasa was ‘political,’ and was orchestrated by factions from within Rwanda, reports the BBC.
Mr Nyamwasa's lawyer claims there is clear evidence linking the incident to the government of Rwanda – allegations that the Kagame administration has vehemently denied.
The four defendants will be sentenced on September 10.
