Musigati: a drunk man kills his wife with a machete after a family argument

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, May 26, 2026 — A brutal family tragedy occurred Monday afternoon in Kanazi village, in the Musigati zone of ​​Bubanza district, Bujumbura province, western Burundi. A 67-year-old woman was killed with a machete by her husband during a domestic dispute. The alleged perpetrator, a 61-year-old man, who was intoxicated after consuming a prohibited beverage called “Savana wine,” was arrested by police in collaboration with members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party.

According to information gathered on site, the tragedy occurred around 3:00 PM when the man went to his wife’s house to ask for food. The victim reportedly refused his request, which sparked a heated argument between the couple, ultimately leading to the murder.

Local sources indicate that the couple lived on the same property but in separate houses. It is not yet known whether they were officially divorced, although recurring family conflicts had been reported for some time.

In a fit of rage, the alleged perpetrator reportedly grabbed a machete and attacked his wife until she died at the scene.

The 67-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries before any intervention could be performed. Her body was taken to the morgue at Bubanza Hospital.

The alleged perpetrator was arrested by police in collaboration with members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party, before being taken to the Musigati police station for questioning.

Following this tragedy, the head of the Musigati zone, Réverien Nkwezi, is calling on the population to refrain from taking the law into their own hands during conflicts and to prioritize recourse to administrative authorities.

He also announced the upcoming organization of meetings in the various villages of the zone to raise awareness among residents about respecting human life, the law, and the peaceful resolution of family disputes.

The administrative authority reminds the public that, starting June 5, 2026, prohibited beverages will no longer be sold in the Musigati zone and that strict controls will be implemented to enforce this measure.

Faced with the resurgence of violence, particularly linked to alcoholism and family conflicts, local authorities are announcing awareness campaigns on respecting human life and increased controls on the sale of prohibited beverages in the zone.