A young woman who had been missing for several days has been found dead under particularly tragic circumstances. She has been identified as NIBITURONSA Emelyne, aged 29. She lived on Ruvumu hill, in Bururi commune, Burunga province. She was unmarried and leaves behind one child.
A Past Marked by Severe Trauma
It is important to recall that Emelyne had already suffered a serious ordeal at a young age. In 2018, she became pregnant after being sexually abused by a man named MISAGO Sedekiya, a close relative (the brother of her grandfather). In other words, she was a victim of incest. According to information from the community, this man is allegedly involved in occult practices, which some believe may partly explain his actions. He had also reportedly threatened to kill her if she revealed the truth.
Following the exposure of this case in 2018, MISAGO Sedekiya was arrested and imprisoned. However, in 2024, he was released following a presidential pardon. Since his release, persistent tensions had been reported within the family.
Emelyne’s Disappearance
Emelyne lived with both her parents and her child. However, her father had recently gone to Rumonge for work, leaving only three people at home.
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Emelyne was reported missing. That day, she had gone to work in the fields and returned in the afternoon. Her mother had gone to the market. Upon her return, Emelyne informed her child that she was going to collect money from a place where she had previously worked, located near her maternal relatives. She was never seen again after that moment.
In the following days, her relatives initially assumed that she had stayed with members of her maternal family. However, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, her mother went there and learned that Emelyne had never arrived. Concern then grew, and a search was initiated.
On March 9, 2026, her mother reported the disappearance to local authorities. During the search, MISAGO Sedekiya claimed that it was unnecessary to look for her, alleging that she had gone away to get married. He and his wife widely spread this version.
Discovery of the Body
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, children who were collecting firewood on Ngendo hill (bordering Ruvumu hill) discovered a lifeless body and alerted the local residents, indicating that the victim had been moved far from her home area. As it was already dark, it was not possible to retrieve the body.
The following day, March 15, 2026, residents, accompanied by local authorities and police, went to the scene. Emelyne’s body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, partially undressed, covered with grass, and weighed down with a large stone.
Her hair had been cut off by the perpetrators, and its purpose remains unknown. Another disturbing detail was the presence of a small fetus near the body, suggesting that she was pregnant. The community believes that she may have been subjected to severe violence prior to her death.
Arrests and Community Concerns
Following these developments, MISAGO Sedekiya, his wife NIBAFASHA Denise, and their son KWIZERA Thérence were arrested as part of the investigation. They are currently in detention.
However, the community has expressed serious concern over rumors that the suspects might be released without trial. Residents continue to strongly suspect MISAGO Sedekiya and are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for NIBITURONSA Emelyne.
Our organization joins the community in calling for justice to be served for NIBITURONSA Emelyne.