BURUNDI

Burundi border police chiefs arrested in controversial corruption case

Published

3 weeks ago

October 28, 2025

Photo: Internet

Major Sylvestre Nshimirimana and Priscille Ndayisenga, heads of Gatumba Police Station, are detained in Bujumbura’s Mpimba Prison amid allegations of corruption and political manipulation.

On October 22, 2025, Major Sylvestre Nshimirimana, head of Gatumba Police Station, and his deputy Priscille Ndayisenga were detained and transferred to Mpimba Central Prison in Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital.

Three other officers were also arrested in connection with the same case, which allegedly began when a senior inspector from Burundi’s National Police (PNB) attempted to bribe the Gatumba commanders an offer they reportedly refused.

According to sources cited by SOS Médias Burundi, the inspector was involved in cross-border alcohol trade and tried to offer 1.5 million Burundian francs to the officers after 27 crates of Bock beer were seized en route to Uvira (DRC).

After the bribe was rejected, the inspector allegedly planted evidence and orchestrated their arrest, using agents from Burundi’s National Intelligence Service (SNR). The officers were apprehended on October 18 with a bag containing 2 million Burundian francs, which was claimed to be intended for them.

The case has raised serious concerns about due process and political interference. Some insiders claim the charges were fabricated, noting that the officers had already been interrogated before the alleged evidence was found.

“This looks like a setup from the beginning,” said one anonymous police source.

On October 19, two new officers were deployed to replace the detained staff, adding to suspicions that the arrests were pre-planned and politically motivated.

Colleagues of the detained officers have appealed to Burundi’s presidency to review the legality of the arrests, arguing that respected officers are being punished for refusing corruption.

The official behind the arrests is reportedly a former SNR agent, previously linked to human rights abuses and illegal trade in alcohol, sugar, and fuel across the Burundi–DRC border.