Rwanda National Police, through its spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, has once again issued a strong warning against people who spread photos and videos of individuals in distress. He emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable as it devalues the dignity of the affected person and their family.
This statement follows the circulation on social media of videos showing a young man, approximately 20 years old, who committed suicide by jumping from the 13th floor of a building in downtown Kigali, commonly known as Kwa Makuza. The video showed him lying lifeless on the ground as crowds looked on.
ACP Rutikanga stated: “While we acknowledge the right to share information and express opinions, we remind the public that capturing or spreading images or videos of injured persons or dead bodies, especially at accident scenes, crime scenes, suicide incidents, or other moments of distress, is strictly prohibited.”
He further explained that such actions strip the victim of their dignity, deepen the grief of the bereaved families, infringe on an individual’s privacy, and can even obstruct investigations. He urged the public to stop this harmful behavior, as it disrespects both the victim and their family.
At around 4 PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2025, a young man named Bishimwe Thierry jumped from the 13th floor of the Kwa Makuza building and died instantly in the City Walk courtyard below.
At the time, ACP Boniface Rutikanga said investigations would be launched to determine the cause of the suicide, especially since the man’s origin was not immediately known.
