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Bubanza : worrying upsurge in household thefts

SOS Médias Burundi

A phenomenon of repeated thefts is resurfacing in the town of Bubanza and its suburbs, plunging residents into deep concern. In the space of a month, several cases of thefts of livestock, poultry, household goods, and money have been recorded, sometimes even in broad daylight. The situation is becoming alarming.

Bubanza, April 13, 2025 – On the night of April 11, a man armed with a knife was caught attempting a robbery on the Nabubu hillside in the town center. Alerted by the screams of a householder being attacked around 1:00 a.m., neighbors subdued the perpetrator after a three-hour struggle. Seriously injured—with a severed Achilles tendon, twisted wrist, and a severed ear—the man was found semi-conscious in a peanut field before being taken to the Bubanza hospital (western Burundi) at 9 a.m., thanks to police intervention.

When questioned, he admitted to being from Rugenge village, in Mpanda district. He also stated, without giving names, that he was part of a larger group. « There are many of us, I won’t reveal any names, » he said. According to Nabubu residents, these thieves are believed to be operating with the complicity of local people who provide them with information on the targets.

That same night, the victim of the attempted robbery was none other than a tavern owner returning home from work.

The district administration confirms that several cases of similar robberies have been recorded in recent weeks in downtown Bubanza. Goats, pigs, poultry, pots, television sets, and other household goods regularly disappear, sometimes even in broad daylight. Less than a month ago, a cow was stolen on the Gashanga hillside and slaughtered that same night. Only the carcasses were found in the morning.

The phenomenon appears to be spreading beyond the city. Two cow thieves were recently arrested in Kazina, in Mpanda district, while transporting meat on motorcycles. Again, the perpetrators were from Rugenge, in the same district.

Fear is taking hold among the population. Some residents admit to sleeping in their kitchens with their goats, poultry, and even pigs to protect them.

« We know it’s unhygienic, but losing our only resource haunts us, » confides one of them.

Some believe this increase is linked to worsening poverty. The soaring prices of basic necessities in Bubanza’s markets are not helping matters. Livestock products, from simple chickens to cows, are now reaching prices unaffordable for most families.

Another alarming fact : children are also involved. Four days ago, two minors were caught selling stolen chickens at the market. Three weeks earlier, another youth was arrested while trying to sell a television set stolen from his neighbor.

Faced with this situation, the local administration is calling for increased vigilance. « The population must stay up at night to stop this phenomenon, which has become worrying, » declared a Bubanza neighborhood chief.

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Businesses targeted by thieves in Bubanza (SOS Médias Burundi)