Cankuzo in turmoil : a woman found mutilated in a rice field, her husband suspected

SOS Médias Burundi

Cankuzo, July 9, 2025 – A woman of approximately 55 years of age was found dead on Wednesday morning in a rice field at the bottom of a ravine in Nyabisindu village, in Cankuzo district (eastern Burundi). Her body bore clear signs of extreme violence. Initial investigation leads suggest a possible femicide. The victim’s husband is currently being questioned by the police.

According to witnesses at the scene, the victim was raped, then horribly mutilated, before being abandoned in a rice field. Abundant traces of blood were found around the body, suggesting an attack of exceptional brutality.

A husband torched by the police

The Nyabisindu village chief confirmed that initial findings point to Ezéchiel. M, the victim’s husband, as the prime suspect. He is currently being questioned by law enforcement.

According to several residents and relatives of the couple, marital tensions had been ongoing for several months. Some even suspect the husband of having ordered the act, although no evidence has yet been made public.

At this time, no suspect has been formally arrested. But the public pressure continues to grow.

The population demands justice

Deeply shaken, the residents of Nyabisindu are calling for a rigorous and transparent investigation.

“This crime cannot go unpunished. We demand that the perpetrators be found and held accountable for their actions before the courts,” said a relative of the victim, his voice breaking with emotion.

Several human rights organizations are also calling for swift clarification of this case, recalling that gender-based violence remains a major scourge in Burundi.

Another femicide in a country under pressure

In a context where cases of violence against women are increasing, this crime once again illustrates the vulnerability of many women, particularly in rural areas, who are often left to fend for themselves.

This tragic crime highlights the extreme violence suffered by some women, often in silence. Justice is now awaited, with hope… but also vigilance.