Gitega : a suspected thief killed by a crowd, police open investigation

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, May 26, 2025 – The lifeless body of a man, identified as Aboubakar Nsengiyumva, 32 years old, was found Thursday in a valley separating the Karera I and Karera II neighborhoods, in the heart of Gitega, the political capital. According to several witnesses, the man was chased by residents of the Karera II neighborhood after being caught red-handed stealing.

According to information gathered, the victim climbed the wall of a plot of land belonging to a certain Vianney Nsengimana to steal clothes. Alerted residents reportedly gave chase. Aboubakar Nsengiyumva then allegedly fell into a ditch and was beaten with clubs. He reportedly died at the scene from his injuries.

The police confirmed the incident and stated that the body was taken to the mosque in the Nyamugari neighborhood, where he was buried on Friday, May 23. An investigation has been opened, but no suspects have yet been arrested.

This tragedy comes amid a tense security climate in Gitega. On May 7, another lifeless body, that of Léopold Mbisamatore, 42 years old, was discovered in the Ruvyironza River, near Mahonda village in the Ryansoro district.

Local authorities are calling on the population not to give in to mob justice. “Any citizen suspected of a crime or offense must be handed over to law enforcement to be tried in accordance with the law,” they emphasize.

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A main street next to the central market in the political capital Gitega (SOS Médias Burundi)