/ 9 January 2014

Ex-Rwandan spy chief case: Mozambique police deny making arrests

Ex Rwandan Spy Chief Case: Mozambique Police Deny Making Arrests

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

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 (53) had been living in exile in South Africa for a number of years. He was found dead in a room at the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Johannesburg, last Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the New Age reported that private investigator Chad Thomas had told the paper that Gakwere was among those arrested in Maputo, for the murder.

'Insufficient evidence'
"Gakwere was also a prime suspect in the failed hit on General Kayumba Nyamwasa in 2010 but there was insufficient evidence to allow the charges to stick," Thomas was quoted as saying.

Mozambique's Deputy Justice Minister Alberto Nkutumula told the Star he knew nothing about any arrests of Rwandans.

Karegeya's nephew David Batenga said he last saw his uncle with close family friend Apollo Kiririsi at the hotel. – Sapa