A citizen was found dead on 11 June 2026 under troubling circumstances. The local population has expressed deep shock over the decision by authorities to proceed with a rushed burial without any thorough investigation.
The victim is KABANYEGEYE Gaspard, a 65-year-old man residing on Rorero Hill, Kayero Zone, Musongati Commune, Burunga Province. Married and father of four children, he was found dead near the Rorero center, in an area commonly known as “Kwirigara,” only about five meters from his home.
Circumstances of his death
According to information gathered from local residents, on 10 June 2026, KABANYEGEYE Gaspard had gone to the Giharo market (former Giharo commune). In the evening, he returned home and gave his wife the items he had purchased.
He then reportedly informed family members that he was going to a nearby bar to have a drink. The last witnesses who saw him alive confirm that he was still at that establishment around 6:00 p.m.
After leaving the bar, he never returned home. According to several testimonies, he may have been the victim of an assault. Residents suspect that he was strangled and struck on the head with a blunt object, as a visible injury was observed on his forehead. His body was later dumped in a bush located north of the Kwirigara path, where it was discovered on the morning of 11 June 2026.
The same sources indicate that the alleged perpetrators also searched his pockets and took his personal belongings, leaving only the flashlight he usually carried.
A rushed burial that raises concern
After the body was discovered, a dispute reportedly arose between residents and certain local authorities. According to several witnesses, the Rorero Hill chief, HAVYARIMANA Athanase, together with the Kayero Zone chief, ordered that the body be buried on the same day.
Many residents opposed this decision, arguing that the body should first be taken to the morgue to allow for an investigation, possible forensic examinations, and the arrival of all family members, some of whom live far away.
Despite these objections, the authorities allegedly maintained their decision. Residents were eventually mobilized to proceed with the burial of the deceased around 6:00 p.m.
This decision caused deep confusion and strong indignation among the local population. Many residents say they do not understand why the burial was organized so quickly while the circumstances of the death remain unclear and some relatives had not yet arrived.
Some citizens even suspect that local authorities may possess additional information regarding the circumstances of this death and are attempting to prevent the truth from coming to light. They are calling for an independent and thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances of KABANYEGEYE Gaspard’s death and to identify any possible perpetrators.
We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the repose of the deceased’s soul.