Gitega : a prisoner found dead in his cell

Innocent Ndihokubwayo, in his forties, was found dead in his cell on Sunday morning. The macabre discovery took place at the central prison of Gitega in the political capital. No medical or police investigation has been launched so far.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to sources at the Gitega prison, Innocent Ndihokubwayo’s health had started to deteriorate around 10 p.m. on Saturday night. Other prisoners called the prison services to have him evacuated to the regional hospital in Gitega, in vain.

“The director of Gitega Central Prison, Police Colonel Salomon Nduwayezu, was suspicious despite Ndihokubwayo’s critical health,” according to a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The prisoner suffered from a chronic illness, which was complicated by the poor living conditions at the prison. Each prisoner receives 350 grams of beans and cassava flour as a daily ration, which did not allow the victim to follow his treatment properly, which requires a good diet.

The head of the medical team at Gitega Prison refused to sign the death certificate of this prisoner who had been convicted of murder.

In August 2023, another man convicted of “homosexuality” died at Gitega Central Prison in the same circumstances.

The head of Gitega Central Prison was not available to respond to these allegations.