Rwandan genocide accused-Kayishema's family not surprised at news he's not safe in prison
The State has told the Cape Town Regional Court that Kayishema has been moved from Pollsmoor to Heldestroom prison in Caledon due to a safety threat.
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 - The family of Rwandan genocide suspect Fulgence Kayishema says they're not surprised by the news of his being in danger in prison.
The State has told the Cape Town Regional Court that Kayishema has been moved from Pollsmoor to Heldestroom prison in Caledon due to a safety threat.
As a result, Kayishema missed his scheduled appearance before the court on Thursday.
The 64-year-old former Rwandan police officer is accused of ordering the killing of 2,000 Tutsi people hiding inside a church.
He had been on the run for more than two decades.
Kayishema had allegedly been living in South Africa under a false name for years before he was tracked down and arrested in Paarl in May 2023.
Family spokesperson Joseph Habinshuti claims there's a witchhunt against Kayishema by some in the Rwandan government:
"This doesn't come as a surprise we know who we are dealing with. At least the state of South Africa can see who we are dealing with. Why now, if it's in the hands of justice, are they pursuing him in prison wanting to eliminate him, if they know what they are accusing him of is true."