These four men died during the night from Thursday to Friday. The victims were with three other people who are currently under treatments. The tragedy took place in the capital of the province of Kayanza (northern Burundi).

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The beer which led to the four deaths is called “Dodo wine”. It is very alcoholic and is on the list of prohibited drinks in Burundi. The four victims worked as watchmen at the provincial central market.

According to witnesses, the victims were with three other people when they quenched their thirst.

“The victims had purchased large quantities from a merchant who wanted to get rid of them for fear of a probable search. At a time when a bottle could be purchased for 3,500 francs, he sold it to them for only 1,500,” our sources say. They specify that the seven people consumed this drink at the deceased’s workplace.

The survivors were admitted to Kayanza hospital, according to their relatives.

The municipal administration speaks of a prohibited drink. Godefroid Niyonizigiye, the communal administrator of Kayanza says that a systematic search will be carried out in the area to “discourage the sale” of this drink. Mr. Niyonizigiye calls on his subjects to avoid these highly alcoholic and uncontrolled drinks “for the sake of their good health”.

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Cartons of a prohibited drink seized by the police and the administration in the south of the commercial city Bujumbura, July 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)