70-year-old man brutally killed at his home: Imbonerakure pointed to, local residents demand justice
A 70-year-old man, identified as NDAGANIYE, was brutally murdered at his home during the night of September 1, 2026. He lived on Nete Hill, Gasura Zone, Kiganda Commune, Gitega Province.
According to information gathered from local sources, on the night of September 1, NDAGANIYE had gone into his house to sleep with his wife. Around midnight, individuals identified as Imbonerakure, who had allegedly concealed their identities, reportedly forced their way into the house before violently attacking the elderly man.
The attackers allegedly injured him in the neck using metal wires and inflicted severe injuries to his legs before fleeing the scene. Seriously injured, NDAGANIYE reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Alerted by the victim’s screams, nearby residents rushed to the scene. The attackers then fled. However, residents reportedly managed to apprehend one of them, identified as BWERI, who also lives on the same hill. According to the information gathered, he had reportedly been recently released from Murembwe Prison in Rumonge Province.
Another individual was also reportedly identified. He is an Imbonerakure known as TANE, who nevertheless managed to flee.
The residents reportedly tied BWERI with a rope and began taking him to the security forces in order to hand him over. However, a group of several Imbonerakure allegedly arrived at the scene and intervened to free him, allowing BWERI to escape.
At this stage, the exact circumstances and motive behind the killing remain to be established. However, according to the information gathered, the alleged perpetrators reportedly accused NDAGANIYE of witchcraft, which may have been the motive behind the attack.
The local population is deeply concerned about the apparent lack of an investigation following the killing. They are calling on the competent authorities to promptly conduct investigations to identify, arrest and bring to justice all those involved in the death of NDAGANIYE.
Residents are also calling on the security services and judicial authorities in Kiganda Commune to take all necessary measures to locate the two identified individuals, namely BWERI and TANE, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable before the law.
King Umurundi Freedom (KUF) strongly condemns this killing and calls on the Burundian authorities to ensure an independent, impartial and effective investigation so that justice is served for the family of NDAGANIYE.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and relatives of NDAGANIYE.
May his soul rest in peace.