A tragic incident has unfolded in the Burera district of Rwanda, where a 23-year-old mother, Nshutiyimana Francine, and her nine-month-old child, Kundwa Ashimwe Berwa Maxime, were found dead in two separate latrine pits. The bodies were discovered on the evening of September 21, 2026, after a 10-day search effort. According to local authorities, the mother and child had been missing for over 10 days, prompting a search operation.
The discovery was made after a local security official reported a strange smell in the area. Initially, he suspected that the smell might be coming from a nearby pigsty, but upon further investigation, he found the two latrine pits, one of which contained Francine's body and the other containing her child's body. Both bodies had begun to decompose.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief in the community. According to Habumuremyi Jean Claude, the secretary general of the Gatebe sector, the mother and child had been missing for over 10 days, and the authorities had been informed and were working with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to find them. An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Local authorities have revealed that there were reports of a dispute between Francine and a man she had a child with, over child support. The man had allegedly been asked to provide support for the child, but the two had disagreed on the matter. Further investigation revealed that the man had previously been to a hospital with injuries, claiming he had been hit by a motorcycle.
The authorities have arrested five people suspected of being involved in the deaths of Francine and her child. The suspects include the man who had a child with Francine, as well as his parents. They are currently being held for questioning and further investigation.
The community has been urged to remain calm and to allow the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. The local leadership has appealed to residents not to take the law into their own hands and to report any information they may have to the relevant authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of residents in the area. Authorities have promised to take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
Key points
- Five people have been arrested in connection with the deaths of Francine and her child.
- Authorities are investigating a possible link between the deaths and a dispute over child support.
- The community has been urged to remain calm and to cooperate with the investigation.
