Fratricide in Gitega : the life jail for a man who killed his brother with a machete

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, July 18, 2026 — The First Instance Court of Gitega, in Burundi’s political capital, sentenced Jean Paul Nduwumukama, 34 years old, to a life jail on Thursday, July 16, for fatally striking his older brother, Jean Pierre Nduwayezu, 36 years old, with a machete. The verdict was delivered following a summary trial held at Gitega Central Prison, before a large crowd gathered to follow the case, which deeply shocked the local community.

According to the prosecution, the events date back to July 11, 2026. On that day, at number 34 on 5th Avenue, in the Nyamugari neighborhood of Gitega, Jean Paul Nduwumukama allegedly attacked his brother with a machete, inflicting fatal wounds. The prosecution argued that the tragedy stemmed from a land dispute between the two brothers and maintained that the crime was premeditated.

In court, the accused admitted to killing his brother, while denying the premeditated nature of the act. He asserted that his actions were not planned in advance, contrary to the prosecution’s claims.

In its closing arguments, the prosecution requested a life sentence, arguing that the gravity of the crime and the circumstances under which it was committed justified the application of the most severe penalty provided by law.

The plaintiff, represented by Divine Gracia Irakoze, 33 years old, the victim’s widow and mother of two, sought 100 million Burundian francs in compensation for the harm suffered by the family.

When asked to comment on the prosecution’s arguments and the plaintiff’s demands, Jean Paul Nduwumukama did not comment on the sentence requested against him. However, regarding the damages sought, he stated that he had “never received such a colossal sum.”

After deliberation, the Gitega First Instance Court followed the prosecution’s recommendations. It sentenced Jean Paul Nduwumukama to life imprisonment and ordered him to pay 100 million Burundian francs in damages to the plaintiff.

The verdict, delivered within the walls of Gitega Central Prison, was met with enthusiastic applause from a large crowd gathered to witness the trial. This family tragedy, reportedly stemming from a land dispute, serves as yet another reminder of the sometimes tragic consequences of land conflicts in Burundi.