Missing Rwandan opposition figure found dead: party

Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:59am GMT

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By Hereward Holland

KIGALI (Reuters) - The body of a senior member of an unregistered political party has been found near his abandoned car weeks ahead of a presidential election, his party and police said on Wednesday.

The Democratic Green Party's vice president, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, was reported missing early on Tuesday. His pick-up truck was found in wetlands near the Mukula river close to the southern city of Butare.

"His head was almost completely removed from his body. His brother Antoine Haguma confirms seeing the dead body," Frank Habineza, founding President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, said in a statement.

Police confirmed the death.

"His body was found this morning 3 km (2 miles) from where his car was found, along with a large knife which may have been used in the killing. It was a kind of machete," police spokesman Eric Kayiranga said.

"People who saw him that night say he had a lot of money, so it is suspected it may be a robbery case. Investigations have begun."

Kayiranga said Rwisereka had chest wounds and his body had been taken to hospital.

The Democratic Green Party has been unable to gain registration and take part in presidential elections to be held in August. Continued...

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