A police investigation is ongoing after prominent Rwandan sports journalist Sadi Habimana was detained following an incident that occurred during the final day of the national football league season.
The incident took place on May 29, 2026, during the highly anticipated match between Rayon Sports and Kiyovu Sports. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that secured a fourth-place finish for Rayon Sports and earned the club a place in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
According to information from individuals present at the stadium, the dispute began while the match was still underway. Habimana reportedly attempted to enter the media section to retrieve his mobile phone.
Upon reaching the entrance, he was stopped by a female security officer assigned to monitor access to the restricted area. What initially appeared to be a routine security interaction quickly escalated into an argument between the two.
Witness accounts indicate that tensions increased during the exchange, and reports suggest that physical contact occurred. The security officer subsequently alerted nearby security personnel and police officers stationed at the venue.
Law enforcement officers intervened and detained Habimana for questioning. Since then, he has remained in custody at the Rwezamenyo Police Station in Nyarugenge District as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In his explanation of the events, Habimana reportedly stated that he had no intention of harming or intimidating the security officer. He maintained that the confrontation arose from a misunderstanding during a tense moment at the stadium.
The security officer, however, indicated that the incident left her distressed and affected her physically. She reported experiencing chest pain after the confrontation, prompting authorities to request medical documentation as part of the investigation.
Police are seeking medical evidence to determine whether any injuries or health complications resulted from the encounter. The findings are expected to play a key role in establishing the legal direction of the case.
No official conclusion has yet been announced, and authorities have emphasized that investigations remain active.
Habimana is a well-known figure in Rwandan sports journalism. Throughout his career, he has worked for several media organizations, including Umuseke, BTN TV and B+, covering football and other sporting events across the country.
His detention has generated widespread discussion among journalists, football supporters and social media users. While some have called for a thorough and impartial investigation, others have stressed the importance of respecting security procedures at public sporting events.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, attention remains focused on what authorities will ultimately determine regarding the incident that transformed an ordinary matchday into one of the most talked-about stories in Rwanda’s sports community.
