Tensions in Nyangungu following a fire : six people arrested; witchcraft suspected

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, September 14, 2026— Six individuals are currently held in police custody in Mutaho, located in the district and province of Gitega in central Burundi. They are suspected of involvement in a recent fire in Nyangungu village.

According to a witness, Richard Ndayikeza (28 years old), Jimmy Nduwimana (43 years old), Hilaire Ntahombaye (45 year old), Édouard Nzambimana (45 years old), Fabrice Nimpagaritse (33 years old), and Léonard Nzeyimana (36 years old) were arrested on Sunday, September 13, at their respective homes in Nyangungu village.

They were subsequently taken to the police detention center in Mutaho, where they remain in custody. Élie Hategekimana, the chief of Nyangungu village, confirmed the arrests, noting that they are part of an ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the fire.

House reduced to ashes

The investigation was prompted by a fire that destroyed a house belonging to 76-year-old Salvator Makobe on the night of September 12 on Nyangungu village.

According to Élie Hategekimana, all the property inside the house was destroyed. Salvator Makobe’s wife, Concesse Nizigiyimana, also sustained serious injuries and was taken to Mutaho Hospital for treatment.

The exact circumstances of the incident remain unknown. However, the village chief indicated that the possibility of witchcraft is a central focus of the investigation. The six individuals taken into custody remain detained pending the results of the investigation. No official conclusions have yet been released regarding the cause of the fire or any potential involvement of the arrested individuals.