Ntuthuzelo Nene16 February 2024 | 8:27

Rwanda genocide suspect Kayishema due back in Cape Town court

Fulgene Kayishema is facing 56 charges, all related to immigration-related offences.

Rwanda genocide suspect Kayishema due back in Cape Town court

FILE: Fulgence Kayishema, a Rwandan national accused of being involved in the 1994 genocide, in the Cape Town Magistrates Court. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News

CAPE TOWN - Rwandan genocide suspect Fulgence Kayishema is expected to hear whether his case will be moved from the Cape Town Magistrates Court to a higher court on Friday.

During his last court appearance in December, the case was postponed to 16 February to determine which court the matter will be heard in.

Kayishema is facing 56 charges, all related to immigration-related offences. 

He was allegedly living in South Africa under a false name for years before he was tracked down and arrested in Paarl in May last year.

During the 62-year-old Rwandan national's last appearance, the State had told the court that all its investigations were completed and ready to proceed with the case.

Kayishema, who is believed to be the most wanted remaining fugitives of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, is also facing an extradition case at the Western Cape High Court.

Authorities there are seeking to transfer him to a UN court in Arusha, Tanzania, to answer for his alleged involvement in the genocide.

The former police officer is accused of ordering the killing of 2,000 Tutsi people hiding inside a church and has been on the run for more than two decades.