Residents of the area are denouncing alleged attempts to prevent the suspected perpetrator of MUNEZERO Aline’s murder from being brought to justice.
Background and Identification of the Deceased
MUNEZERO Aline, born in 1996 on Mushonge Hill in the former Nyamurenza Commune, Ngozi Province (currently Kiremba Commune, Butanyerera Province), married NIYIBITANGA Gabriel in 2021. Gabriel is a former member of the CNDD-FDD movement who was demobilized after the war.
Since their marriage, the couple had been living on Rurama Hill in Nyamurenza Commune. They were the parents of two children. According to several testimonies collected from neighbors and members of both families, their household was frequently marked by conflicts and domestic violence.
Circumstances of the Death
According to information gathered from local sources, NIYIBITANGA Gabriel reportedly worked in the informal fuel trade. His wife, MUNEZERO Aline, assisted in the business, particularly by managing sales and handling revenue.
A few days before the incident, an amount estimated at 10,000 Burundian francs reportedly went missing or was lost. This situation is said to have caused significant tension within the couple.
On May 30, 2026, Gabriel allegedly publicly threatened his wife, stating that if she failed to repay the money before his return, he would kill her. According to several witnesses, these remarks were made in the presence of multiple people at a place he regularly frequented.
According to consistent testimonies, Aline later confided in relatives and some neighbors that she feared for her life. She reportedly stated that her husband had threatened to kill her and indicated that she intended to sleep fully dressed so that she could quickly flee in the event of an attack.
On the night of May 30–31, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Gabriel allegedly returned to the family home carrying a bottle of alcohol. According to information collected, he then violently assaulted his wife.
The following morning, neighbors discovered the lifeless body of MUNEZERO Aline in the couple’s bedroom. Blood was reportedly observed around her nose, and her body was found lying on a mattress without bedsheets.
Several residents reported hearing screams during the night but did not become particularly alarmed, as arguments and violence within the household were reportedly frequent.
The deceased was allegedly buried hastily the following day, before any thorough investigation had been conducted. This has caused confusion and outrage among part of the local population.
Arrest and Public Concerns
Following the discovery of the body, residents alerted local administrative authorities. Local sources claim that attempts were made to prevent the suspect’s arrest, including through alleged acts of corruption involving certain local officials.
Nevertheless, following various interventions, NIYIBITANGA Gabriel was arrested on June 2, 2026, and placed in detention at the Nyamurenza detention facility, where he reportedly remains in custody.
Despite this arrest, many residents remain concerned about reports suggesting that efforts may be underway to secure his release without him appearing before the competent courts.
The population is therefore calling on the judicial authorities to ensure an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation and to guarantee that the suspect is brought before the courts so that the full truth surrounding the death of MUNEZERO Aline can be established.
Condolences
On behalf of our organization, we extend our sincere condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of MUNEZERO Aline.
We hope that the truth will be established and that justice will be served.
May her soul rest in peace.