Mutambara : when a murder hides behind a presumed suicide

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, August 4, 2025 – A gruesome discovery has shocked the population of Kagoti, in Mutambara village, Rumonge district, in Burunga province, southern Burundi. On the morning of Monday, August 4th, the lifeless body of a young local girl was found hanging from a palm tree using a rope made from her own loincloth.

From the very first observations, doubts arose. According to the village chief and the provincial police, several elements at the scene suggested a murder disguised as suicide. “The victim’s knees and feet were still touching the ground. It’s difficult to call it a suicide under these conditions,” explained a judicial police officer, speaking anonymously.

Six people have already been arrested as part of the investigation. Their exact role remains to be determined.

The family, neighbors, and human rights defenders are demanding that light be shed on this tragedy. They denounce a “heinous and premeditated” act, calling for the perpetrators to be swiftly identified and punished.

The local administration, for its part, remains silent, a silence that fuels fears that this case will be forgotten.

The investigation is ongoing. The shocked residents of Mutambara hope that justice will be served for the woman who lost her life in such disturbing circumstances.