Bubanza : a man on the run after stabbing his brother to death

A family dispute turned tragic in Muyange village, in Bubanza district and province (western Burundi). A 32-year-old butcher, Boniface Sibomana, is accused of killing his younger brother, Schadrack Ndayizeye, 25 years old, by stabbing him in the chest after an argument over a debt of only 2,000 Burundi francs. The suspect has been on the run for three days, raising concerns among residents, who denounce possible protection from certain local officials.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The tragedy occurred on Sunday morning, March 23. According to several witnesses, Boniface Sibomana and his younger brother had already argued the day before over an unpaid debt. The next day, tensions escalated when the victim came to his brother’s home to demand his money.

What began as a verbal altercation escalated. According to witnesses, Boniface Sibomana grabbed a knife and stabbed his brother in the chest. Alerted by the screams, neighbors rushed to the scene but were unable to prevent the incident. Schadrack Ndayizeye succumbed to his injuries before emergency services arrived.

Suspect still at large

Immediately after the crime, Boniface Sibomana fled and remains missing to this day. The police launched an investigation and took into custody a neighbor who reportedly witnessed the incident.

But for the residents of Muyange, the inaction of law enforcement raises questions. Some denounce the protection the suspect receives due to his role within the Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, Burundi’s ruling party).

“He should have been arrested immediately, but no one seems to be actively looking for him,” confided a local resident on condition of anonymity.

A population under tension

This homicide has sowed fear and frustration in the Muyange community. Many voices are being raised to demand justice, regardless of the status or political affiliation.

Administration and police authorities assure that investigations are ongoing and that all means are being mobilized to find the fugitive. However, for the population, the silence surrounding the case reinforces the feeling of impunity.

“We want the law to apply to everyone, without exception,” insists one resident.

As pressure mounts, the authorities will have to meet the population’s expectations and prove that justice can be served fairly, without political interference. Meanwhile, the suspect is still at large.

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Women walk along a street in the Matonge neighborhood of the town center of Bubanza province in western Burundi ©️ SOS Médias Burundi