Murders of elderly people in Gitega and Buhumuza : an octogenarian and a septuagenarian killed over the weekend

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, December 23, 2025 — Two elderly people, an octogenarian and a septuagenarian, were found dead over the weekend in the provinces of Gitega and Buhumuza, in central and eastern Burundi. The circumstances of their deaths remain unclear, and investigations are underway to determine the exact causes.

An octogenarian killed in Buhumuza

In Buhumuza province, Andrée Mabwa, over 80 years old, was killed in his home in broad daylight on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Rwamvura village, Kigamba zone, Cankuzo district. According to a witness, the victim was fatally attacked with an axe.

This information was confirmed by Séverin Niragira, head of the Kigamba zone, who indicated that the motives for the crime are not yet known and that investigations are underway. After the attack, the alleged perpetrators fled. However, a suspect, identified as Jean Marie, the victim’s grandson, was apprehended and detained at the Kigamba police station for questioning. Andrée Mabwa’s body was taken to the morgue at Cankuzo Hospital.

A woman in her seventies found dead in Gitega

On the same Sunday, December 21, 2025, the lifeless body of 75-year-old Rose Kasa was discovered in the waters of the Karonga stream, which separates the Yoba and Zege neighborhoods in the city of Gitega.

According to Salvator Bukuru, head of the Yoba neighborhood, the exact cause of death remains unknown. He stated that the victim suffered from mental health issues associated with epilepsy.

This version is disputed by some residents of the Yoba neighborhood, who believe that Rose Kasa was killed before being thrown into the stream to make it appear as though she had drowned. They are demanding independent investigations to shed light on this death. So far, no suspects have been apprehended. The victim’s body has been taken to the morgue at the Gitega Regional Hospital, pending the results of the investigation.