A member of the Imbonerakure has been accused of murdering his wife, prompting local residents to call for justice.
The incident reportedly occurred during the night of July 27–28, 2026, on Ngaruzwa Hill, Gishubi Commune, Gitega Province, Burundi.
The suspect has been identified as HABARUGIRA Edouard, who is described as a member of the Imbonerakure. The victim is his wife, NDAYISHIMIYE Fidès, 33 years old. The couple had four children.
According to testimonies gathered from local residents, the couple had been experiencing serious marital conflicts for some time. The suspect had allegedly threatened on several occasions to kill his wife if members of her family failed to find him a job. These threats were reportedly known to several people in the community.
On the night of the incident, HABARUGIRA Edouard allegedly stabbed his wife below the left breast with a knife, inflicting a fatal wound. The weapon reportedly remained lodged in the victim’s body.
Following the incident, the suspect is said to have surrendered to the Gishubi Police Station, reportedly fearing retaliation from local residents.
On the morning of July 28, 2026, neighbors, concerned after not seeing the victim leave her home, went to check on her and discovered her lifeless body. Judicial police officers (OPJ) arrived at the scene to carry out the necessary investigations. The body was then transferred to the Mpunge Health Center, where the weapon was removed to facilitate medico-legal procedures before burial.
Residents of Ngaruzwa Hill say they are deeply shocked and outraged by the tragedy. They are calling on the authorities to ensure that the suspect is neither protected nor allowed to evade justice, but is brought before the competent courts to answer for the alleged homicide. They also state that he had previously been known in the community for violent behavior.