A taxi driver killed by police in Rumonge

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, November 11, 2025 — A tragedy occurred Tuesday evening in a bar in the Kanyenkoko neighborhood of Rumonge, Burunga province, in southern Burundi. A taxi driver, Éric Irakoze, lost his life after being brutally beaten by police officers.

According to several witnesses, the victim was in a local bar-restaurant when a verbal altercation broke out with a police officer present. The officer allegedly slapped him, prompting the driver to try to flee. However, he was intercepted by another officer before falling to the ground. Two police officers then reportedly began stomping on his chest until he succumbed to his injuries.

Shortly after the tragedy, other police officers intervened to prevent the shocked crowd from taking the law into their own hands. Eric Irakoze’s lifeless body was transported to the Rumonge hospital morgue in a police vehicle.

The victim, known as a driver on the Rumonge-Kigwena road, leaves behind an angry community demanding that those responsible for his murder be held accountable.

Two police officers suspected of involvement in the incident were arrested and detained at the Rumonge police station. According to police sources, an investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.

This tragic event has reignited concerns about police brutality in Burunga province, where similar cases have been reported in recent years, and where the population is demanding greater accountability and oversight from law enforcement.