Gitega : two people found hanged in a single day, concern grows

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, June 18, 2026 – Two people were found hanged on Wednesday in separate circumstances in the district and province of Gitega, in central Burundi. While police are leaning towards homicide in the first case and suicide in the second, these grim discoveries have reignited residents’ concerns about persistent crime in this province, which is regularly cited as one of the most affected by insecurity.

The first tragedy occurred in the Zege neighborhood of Gitega city. According to witnesses, the lifeless body of 65-year-old Emmanuel Damascène Daradangwa was discovered on Wednesday, hanging from a rope attached to the rafters of his house.

According to several local sources, the exact circumstances of the death remain unclear. Some residents, however, mention serious family conflicts that had existed between the victim and his wife for several years.

The police have confirmed the opening of an investigation. According to police sources, two people have been arrested as part of the investigation : the victim’s wife, Gaudence Ndereyimana, and their daughter, Septimata Bayubahe. They have been placed in the cells of the provincial police station in Gitega pending further investigation.

In the Zege neighborhood, many residents are demanding that the truth be revealed in this case. They are calling for an independent investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the death and to bring any responsible parties to justice.

A second body discovered a few hours later

On the same day, another body was found in Muremera village, also in the district and province of Gitega. The deceased is Bernadette Irankunda, a 25-year-old woman found hanged inside her home.

The information was confirmed by Richard Mpfukamensabe, chief of Muremera village. According to the local authority, the young woman suffered from mental health issues, and initial findings suggest suicide.

However, this version is disputed by some local residents. Several believe that unanswered questions remain, pointing out that the victim’s legs were already touching the ground when her body was discovered. These residents believe this detail warrants further investigation before any final conclusions are drawn.

A worrying crime situation

These two discoveries come amid a worrying security situation in Gitega province. In recent months, several murders, the discovery of bodies, and various forms of violence have been reported, fueling a sense of insecurity among the population.

Recently, the Catholic bishops of Burundi expressed their concern about the resurgence of criminal activity in the country. In a pastoral message, they called on the authorities to strengthen citizen security and effectively combat impunity in order to preserve social cohesion and peace.

For many residents of Gitega, the two deaths recorded on Wednesday serve as yet another reminder of the urgent need for thorough investigations and concrete measures to curb the insecurity that continues to claim victims in the province.