Cibitoke : a father found dead after a violent arrest in Buhindo

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, February 4, 2026 – A 40-year-old father died after being brutally beaten up and then detained in the Buhindo zone jail in the district of Cibitoke, Bujumbura province, western Burundi. Arrested in the context of a domestic dispute, the tragedy has sparked outrage among the victim’s family and human rights organizations, who are demanding justice.

Jean-Pierre Ntahiraja, a father of four, was found dead on January 28 in the Buhindo zone jail. According to several local sources, the incident occurred during a period of intense marital tension with his wife.

According to witness statements, two members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, known by the nicknames Ndakurasa and Kazoviyo, allegedly intervened at the couple’s home. They reportedly violently assaulted Jean-Pierre Ntahiraja, tying him up and beating him severely. In critical condition and unable to speak, the victim was then taken to the Buhindo zone jail without receiving any medical assistance.

The following day, Jean-Pierre Ntahiraja was found dead in his cell, before receiving any medical care.

Family outrage and investigation launched

Alerted, the victim’s family went to the home, deeply shocked and outraged. According to witnesses, relatives tried to confront the two Imbonerakure suspected of the violence, but the men fled before they arrived.

When questioned, the police officer guarding the cell stated that the victim had been brought there without being informed of the exact circumstances of his arrest or his concerning health condition. However, following the opening of a judicial investigation, this officer was detained for failing to assist a person in danger.

The victim’s wife, with whom he was in conflict at the time of the incident, was also arrested as part of the same investigation.

The deceased’s family, supported by human rights organizations, is demanding the immediate arrest of the two Imbonerakure members who are still at large and their being brought to justice, denouncing yet another case of serious violence committed with impunity.

Contacted by SOS Médias Burundi, the district administrator of Cibitoke, Éloge Najeneza, assured that the district administration is working closely with the police and judicial authorities to identify, locate and arrest all the perpetrators of this criminal act, so that they can answer for their actions before the courts.