Fulgence Kayishema, a Rwandan genocide suspect, has appeared in Cape Town Magistrate’s Court in South Africa for a third time today (June 9).

The man was arrested on May 24, 2023, after evading for 22 years. He allegedly planned the killings of more than 2,000 men, women, and children on April 15, 1994, at a church in Rwanda.

Kayishema will appear in court again on June 20 for a bail application and possible further charges.

According to Human Rights Watch, his arrest is "an important milestone in the search for justice for crimes committed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide".

Cape Town, 9 June 2023: Fulgence Kayishema, appeared for a third time in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. Kayishema is alleged to have been complicit in the murder of 2000 Tutsis during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Kayishema served as an officer in the Rwandan police and is believed to have have fled the country after the genocide which killed more than 800 000 of the country’s citizens.

South African prosecutors have charged Kayishema with 54 offences. The charges relate to fraud and immigration offences incurred by Kayishema when entering South Africa under an assumed identity according to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Eric Ntabazalila.

Kayishema was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on 20 June for a bail application and possible further charges.