Rwanda’s Water Security Unit recovered the body of 19-year-old Niyonshuti Michel, from Nyarucyamu I Village, Gahogo Cell, Nyamabuye Sector, who drowned in Rugeramigozi Pond, Muhanga District, on Saturday while boating with three friends.
The retrieval took over an hour after Shyogwe Sector officials alerted the Water Police, who assisted in locating the missing teenager and his peers after his sudden disappearance.
Shyogwe Executive Secretary, Oswald Nsengimana, confirmed the find, which occurred on Sunday, June 29, 2025, taking over an hour of coordinated effort.
Niyonshuti, son of Gasana Dosantos and Muhorakeye Françoise, had just completed his second year of high school. On June 28, he and two friends from Muhanga City hired a canoe from their friend to cross toward Shyogwe. The boat capsized in the middle, drowning him while the others escaped.
After failed search attempts, the Water-Born Police finally recovered his body over an hour later and transferred it to Kabgayi Hospital.
The boat owner, Iradukunda Kevin, has been arrested and detained by RIB offices in Nyamabuye, Muhanga, pending investigation.
Officials urge the public to avoid entering Rugeramigozi Pond, which attracts people fetching water or bathing, and call on parents to keep children away.
The pond was built for irrigation of rice fields in the valley, but villagers often use it for water, bathing, and other unregulated activities. Authorities warn against unauthorized and dangerous use.
