Denis Kazungu, a convicted serial killer sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2024, is set to appeal his sentence. The hearing is scheduled for June 13 at the High Court.
Kazungu, 36, was convicted of murdering at least 13 people—mostly women—whose bodies were found buried in a pit at his rented home in Busanza, Kicukiro District, Kigali. He was arrested in September 2023 after police intervened in a dispute with his landlord, only to uncover the gruesome crimes.
During his trial, prosecutors revealed Kazungu lured victims—primarily women from bars—to his home where he raped, tortured, and killed them. He also targeted some men, whom he robbed and murdered. He was charged with 10 counts, including murder, rape, torture, robbery, and forgery, all of which he admitted to.
Now, Kazungu’s defense team is appealing the life sentence, arguing that his full confession and cooperation with investigators and the court should have been considered mitigating factors. They claim Kazungu voluntarily revealed his crimes during an unrelated police investigation and consistently admitted guilt throughout the legal process, even expressing remorse.
The defense is seeking a reduced sentence, insisting that his conduct warrants leniency rather than the maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The High Court will consider these arguments in the upcoming appeal hearing.