On Friday, the Kigali High Court dismissed the appeal filed by Denis Kazungu, who sought to reduce his life imprisonment sentence.
Kazungu was given Rwanda’s harshest penalty after being convicted of 10 charges related to the murder of 13 people.
During his appeal hearing on June 12, Kazungu admitted to all charges except the murder of a young man named Kimenyi Yves, whom he had studied with.
The Prosecution clarified that Kimenyi was not among the victims listed, and there was no evidence linking Kazungu to his death; however, they said charges might be brought later if new evidence emerges.
Kazungu told the court that he repents and wants to assist the court by providing information on his crimes, basing his request for sentence reduction on this.
“That is the basis on which I ask to have my sentence reduced. I wish to return to Rwandan society to cooperate with fellow citizens in rebuilding our country.”
He also described his crimes as acts of madness, not courage, asking forgiveness from the President, the government, and all affected families.
“What I did was madness, not bravery. I ask for forgiveness from the President, the entire government, parents, and children for what I have done. When punishing a child, one should not use a stick but guidance.”
Kazungu’s lawyer, Me Murangwa Faustin, requested leniency from the court, highlighting that Kazungu had admitted all charges at trial, apologized sincerely, and it was his first offense.
The Prosecution opposed reducing the sentence due to the nature of the crimes, their severity, consequences, and motives.
On Friday, the court ruled that Kazungu’s appeal had no merit and confirmed that the original life imprisonment sentence stands.
Kazungu was convicted of premeditated murder, torture, concealment and dismemberment of bodies, illegal imprisonment, and unauthorized computer access. On March 8, 2024, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined 10 million Rwandan francs.
He was also ordered to pay 30 million Rwandan francs in moral damages to the victims’ families.
