Gitega : an army officer sentenced to a life jail for the murder of a young woman

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, January 30, 2026 – A Burundian army officer has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the military court sitting in Gitega, central Burundi, for the murder of a young woman in broad daylight.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, around 9:00 a.m., in Masama village, Shombo district, Gitega province. The victim, 27-year-old Audrine Manirakiza, was shot dead, according to eyewitness accounts.

The information was confirmed by Joachim Bararwamanye, chief of Masama village, who indicated that the perpetrator was quickly identified : Lieutenant Innocent Bigirimana, who allegedly used a pistol to commit the act. According to the same source, the murder was motivated by land disputes between the victim and the officer. Following the incident, the lieutenant was apprehended and detained at the Karusi police station.

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, during a summary trial held by the military court sitting in the Nyabikere zone town center, the accused admitted guilt. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered him to pay 25,000,000 Burundi francs in compensation to the victim’s family.

This conviction represents a significant legal decision in a case that has deeply shocked the local population.