Bubanza : the increase in thefts worries residents

In recent days, the population of the center of Bubanza, in western Burundi, has been living in fear of a series of nighttime thefts. Houses are regularly looted at night, despite patrols carried out by Imbonerakure, members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD party. Shops and livestock are also not spared, which increases the concern of residents.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Bold and unexplained thefts, according to residents.

In the northern neighborhood of the city, a school principal was the victim of a burglary.
“Everything was taken while the owner was in the house. Not far from there, a shop was also looted, despite the presence of a sentry,” reports a local source.

According to several residents, these thefts remain mysterious and raise questions.

“It seems that the thieves are using superstitions or charms. Some even think they have master keys!”, confides a worried resident.

Livestock targeted

Herders are not spared from this wave of thefts. On December 8, a cow was stolen, and only carcasses were found after unsuccessful searches. More recently, on December 19, four goats were stolen from a household on the outskirts of Bubanza.

The Buhoro Rouge, Centre-ville and Ruvumvu neighborhoods are particularly affected. Residents report hearing suspicious movements during the night.

“From midnight, individuals move around households, mainly targeting businesses and homes with livestock. I don’t sleep after 1 a.m. I stay awake to protect my belongings and I sleep during the day,” says a goat farmer living in the west of the city.

Security questioned

A village chief, contacted on this subject, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and called on residents to be extra vigilant to protect their property.

Although police patrols are organized every evening, their number remains insufficient to effectively cover all vulnerable areas. At the same time, the Imbonerakure also carry out patrols, but their effectiveness is questioned by some residents.

“It is not surprising that suspicions arise about a possible complicity between these groups and the thieves,” several residents believe, adding to the climate of general mistrust.

Faced with this worrying situation, the population of Bubanza hopes for concrete actions to put an end to this persistent insecurity.

——-

Businesses targeted by thieves in Bubanza (SOS Médias Burundi)