A traditional healer has been arrested in Ngoma District Eastern Province in connection with the death of a patient, at his home.
The incident took place in Jarama sector, Karenge Cell where the victim identified as Landouard Habinshuti, 39, died.
According to police in Ngoma, the arrest of the traditional healer called Jean Pierre Munyabuhoro followed information provided by area residents.
The suspect is detained at Sake Police station while the body of the victim was taken to Kibungo hospital for postmortem.
It is alleged that the victim, whom police said is a resident of Gatsibo District, had spent over two weeks at the suspect’s home where he had gone for treatment.
He is said to have been suffering from a mental disease for about nine years before reaching out to the traditional healer for treatment on February 7.
The District Police Commander, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Christian Safari said investigations are still on to identify if the victim’s death was a result of the herbs allegedly given to him by the traditional healer.
The traditional healer the police say is not accredited. Normally, traditional medical practitioners are accredited by the Ministry of Health after meeting all the requirements.
Preliminary medical tests indicate that the deceased had prior taken herbs.
The suspect faces two charges; involuntary manslaughter under article 157 of the penal code and usurpation of duties, titles and uniform with intent to mislead the public under Article 616:
Involuntary manslaughter, which is defined as causing death of another person without intention, is punishable with sentence ranging between six months and two years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf2 million or one of these penalties.
Under article 616, “Any person without capacity who usurps public, civil or military duties, performs duties of one of these services or falsely acquires the powers of a public officer or publicly wears a costume, gown, uniform or an emblem with intent to mislead the public, shall be liable to imprisonment of one year to three years and a fine of Rwf50, 000 to Rwf500, 000.
