Gitega : sentences ranging from 10 years to life for four people accused of murder in Mutoyi

The First Instance Court of Gitega (central Burundi) ruled on Tuesday on sentences ranging from ten years to life against four people tried for premeditated murder. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

In a flagrance trial before the First Instance Court of Gitega, Célestin Niyonzima was accused of premeditated murder of his brother-in-law Vital Mukeshimana.

The crime took place on March 17 at the trading center of Mutoyi in the district of Bugendana, in the province of Gitega. Célestin Niyonzima killed with a machete the victim who had intervened during a couple dispute to protect his sister who is the wife of Célestin Niyonzima.

Another protagonist of the case, Joseph Nkunzimana meanwhile, was accused by the public prosecutor of complicity in having taken Célestin Niyonzima into his home after the crime.

Paseto Sibomana and Didace Nibigira, meanwhile, were accused of facilitating Célestin Niyonzima’s escape.

The main suspect pleaded guilty while Paseto Sibomana, Joseph Nkunzimana and Didace Nibigira all dismissed all charges against them.

After deliberation, judges pronounced a life sentence for Célestin Niyonzima as well as the payment of compensation of five million Burundi francs to the family of the victim. Paseto Sibomana, Joseph Nkunzimana and Didace Nibigira were each sentenced to ten years in prison.

Paseto Sibomana and Joseph Nkunzimana will also have to collectively pay compensation of one million francs to the victim’s family.