A quiet morning at Nturo Trading Centre along the Kisoro–Mgahinga road quickly turned into a scene of shock and confusion after the body of a local taxi driver was discovered lying in stagnant water—triggering a major police investigation that has since led to the arrest of 10 suspects.
Sanvura Godfrey, 43, a resident of Sagitwe Village in Mabungo Parish, Nyarusiza Sub County, is remembered by family and colleagues as a humble and hardworking man whose life was cut short under unclear circumstances.
His body was discovered on April 3, 2026, at around 8:30am by Ngabe Moses Sebahire, a 41-year-old businessman, who was passing through the area near a fuel station in Nturo Trading Centre.
“I immediately sensed something was wrong and informed the authorities,” Sebahire reportedly told police.
LC1 Chairman Nyirabanzi Dominico says the news spread quickly across the trading centre, drawing concern among residents.
“We were alerted early in the morning. Up to now, we still don’t understand what could have caused his death,” Nyirabanzi said.
A Life Remembered
To those who knew him, Sanvura was more than just a taxi driver.
His brother, John Sebarokore, described him as disciplined and respectful, noting that the family is struggling to come to terms with his sudden and violent death.
“We are deeply shocked. He has been a good person all his life,” he said.
Fellow driver Habyakare Charles painted a picture of a man who worked his way up in the transport industry.
“He started as a boda boda rider before joining the taxi business. He was very humble and committed to his work,” Habyakare said.
Sanvura leaves behind five children and had reportedly been involved in cross-border transport operations, a detail investigators are now considering as they piece together the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police Probe Deepens
Police in Kisoro have since opened a case of suspected murder and launched a full-scale investigation.
The Kisoro District Police Commander, SP Edatu Cosmas, confirmed that a team of homicide detectives and scene of crime officers visited and documented the scene shortly after the report was made.
“The body was retrieved and taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations continue,” he said.
In a significant development, police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing. However, authorities have not yet disclosed their identities or the exact role each may have played.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and said inquiries are ongoing.
We however understand that the suspects include people who were with him that night.
Community on Edge
The killing has sent shockwaves through Nturo Trading Centre and surrounding areas, with residents calling for swift justice and improved security.
Sanvura’s death adds to growing concerns among transport operators, especially those involved in cross-border routes, about their safety.
As investigations continue, the community—and a grieving family—wait for answers about what exactly happened in the final hours of a man many describe as peaceful and hardworking.
For now, the unanswered questions linger: who killed Sanvura Godfrey, and why?
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