Gitega : a new suspicious death revives the image of a cemetery province

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, June 26, 2025 — A mysterious tragedy rocked Mikore village, in Gishubi district, Gitega province (central Burundi). On Wednesday morning, the lifeless body of Steve Sabiraguha, a 13-year-old boy, was discovered hanging from an avocado tree, tied with a mosquito net. According to witnesses, the teenager was found in circumstances deemed suspicious by several residents. The body was quickly transported to his family home, an action that has raised many questions.

In the locality, the suicide theory is widely doubted. Several voices are speaking of a possible cover-up.

These suspicions appear to be shared by the Gishubi police, that confirmed that the boy was buried during the day by his relatives, while expressing serious doubts about suicide.

“We are currently focusing on the murder hypothesis. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy and identify the possible perpetrators,” said a local police source.

A first suspect, Jean Bosco Irakoze, 25 years old, was arrested on Wednesday and taken into custody in the Gishubi police cells.

The case has sparked strong emotions in Mikore village, where residents are demanding a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the young victim.

“We live in fear. Every day, someone is buried here.”

A Mikore resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a heavy atmosphere gripping the town. “This is not the first time a child has died in suspicious circumstances.” We live in fear. Every day, someone is buried here.”

A province increasingly in mourning

This latest disturbing death adds to a series of bloody incidents that have hit Gitega province in recent months. Between bodies found in suspicious circumstances, score-settling, and unsolved murders, the security situation is gradually deteriorating.

In the eyes of many observers, this region, once perceived as peaceful, is becoming a real cemetery province, a sad description that is fueling anxiety among the population and putting pressure on local authorities.