Ngozi : a lawyer gets 20 years for the murder of his adoptive brother, community in shock

SOS Médias Burundi

Ngozi, July 30, 2025 – The verdict came like a thunderclap. The Ngozi Court of Appeal, in Butanyerera province in northern Burundi, sentenced lawyer Elvis Frank Ngendakumana to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for the murder of his adoptive brother, Floris Rushiranzigo. He will also have to pay 50 million Burundi francs for the upkeep of the orphaned child left behind by the victim.

The murder occurred during the night of July 27-28, 2025, in the family home where the two men had lived since the death of their parents. According to neighbors’ testimony, tensions over the family inheritance were recurring, and arguments were frequent.

The prosecution presented evidence of repeated death threats from the accused against his adoptive brother.

A defense deemed implausible

At the hearing, the lawyer admitted the facts but claimed to have acted under the influence of alcohol. The prosecution rejected this argument, emphasizing the premeditation and the history of conflict between the two men.

An exemplary punishment

The Court specified that if Ngendakumana fails to pay the imposed restitution, his sentence could be increased to 50 years’ imprisonment, in order to guarantee the rights of the child deprived of his father.

Emotion and a call for judicial rigor

This tragedy shocked the district of Ngozi. The deceased’s relatives, residents, and several human rights organizations praised the severity of the justice system.

“Justice has just taken a strong step. No one should be above the law,” declared a human rights defender present at the hearing.