Double tragedy in Muhanga : two men arrested after a grenade murder

SOS Médias Burundi,

Muhanga, February 19, 2026 – Two residents of the Gikomero zone, Muhanga district, Butanyerera province, were arrested by police as part of the investigation into the murder of a woman killed by a grenade on the night of Wednesday, February 18, to Thursday, February 19. A second death, by fire, was also reported that same night. The district administrator indicated that the investigations are ongoing.

The two suspects, identified as Godefroid Mbazumutima and Joseph Girukwishaka, have been detained by the Muhanga district police since Thursday, February 19. They are suspected of involvement in the death of Béatrice Nijimbere, killed around 11 p.m. by the explosion of a live grenade.

According to local administrative and police sources, confirmed by district authorities, the suspects have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. Land disputes between several families in the area are believed to be the cause of the tragedy. According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was not the initial target of the assailants, who are thought to have targeted her partner.

Authorities call for calm

The district administrator, Annonciate Nizigiyimana, is calling on the population to prioritize legal channels in the event of disputes. She urges residents to contact the administration or competent judicial authorities rather than resorting to revenge.

That same night, another tragedy occurred in the Gikomero zone : a woman died in a house fire. The circumstances of this second death remain unknown. Authorities have announced the launch of thorough investigations to identify the perpetrators of these acts, which have been described as criminal.

This double tragedy has shaken Butanyerera province in northern Burundi and reignited concerns about the resurgence of violence in the region.