/ 19 January 2014

Memorial service held for former Rwandan spy chief

Rwanda's former spy boss Patrick Karegeya.
Rwanda's former spy boss Patrick Karegeya.

The family of a former Rwandan intelligence chief found dead in a Johannesburg hotel held a memorial service for the ex-spymaster turned critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Patrick Karegeya's family and colleagues in an opposition coalition accuse Kagame of ordering his assassination. A week ago, Rwanda's foreign minister said her government had no sympathy for the slain former spy chief. He had a falling out with the country's president. Rwanda's prime minister also warned at the time that betraying one's country brought consequences.

Karegeya's nephew David Batenga said a memorial service was held on Sunday in a Johannesburg chapel, ahead of the burial later in the day.

Meanwhile, Mozambican authorities denied reports that they arrested Rwandans suspected of killing former Rwandan spy chief Patrick Karegeya, the Star reported on January 9.

Mozambique national police spokesperson Pedro Cossa "categorically" denied any knowledge of the detention of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Gakwere, the paper reported.

Two or three other people were reportedly arrested on Wednesday along with Gakwere.

Karegeya had been living in South Africa since 2007. His body was found on New Year's Day. – Sapa-AP