The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Kigarama Sector, Mburabuturo Village, after Siborurema broke into a home and stole valuables, including cash, two smartphones, a laptop, shoes, trousers, and a shirt.
The homeowner, who lives alone, noticed the intruder and immediately alerted the neighborhood security patrol, which then contacted the police.
According to Rwanda National Police (RNP) Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, officers and security personnel arrived at the scene, prompting Siborurema to flee toward a nearby swamp.
"The community patrol agents had called officers from Kigarama Police Station, and together they pursued the suspect. Upon reaching the swamp, he dropped the stolen items, grabbed a machete, and attempted to attack one of the patrol agents. A police officer then shot him, resulting in his death," said ACP Rutikanga.
Authorities confirmed that Siborurema was a repeat offender with a long history of theft-related arrests dating back to 2016.
Between May 2017 and March 2018, he spent nine months in prison for theft. In 2018, he was arrested again, served a short prison sentence, and was later sent to the Iwawa Rehabilitation Center, where he spent a year.
Following his release, he was arrested again for theft and imprisoned in Mageragere Prison from June 2020 to June 2022. However, after his release, he resumed criminal activities and was sent back to Iwawa.
Siborurema was among those recently discharged from Iwawa on March 7, 2025, after undergoing rehabilitation for theft and drug abuse.
ACP Rutikanga urged individuals returning from rehabilitation at Iwawa to take advantage of the skills and opportunities provided to them.
"Iwawa is designed to help individuals reform and reintegrate into society as productive members. Those who return to criminal activities will not be tolerated," he emphasized.
The stolen items, including the laptop, smartphones, shoes, and clothing, were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.
IGIHE
