Police Lieutenant Jean Bosco Nayuburundi, 31, chief of the Buhiga post, was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 100,000 Burundian francs by the Court of Appeal of Gitega on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The court found him guilty of serious voluntary assault and battery after he was initially prosecuted for attempted murder. The ruling stemmed from events that occurred on the night of July 12, 2026, just six days prior to the court's decision. According to the public prosecutor's office, Nayuburundi opened fire on Nicolas Nsabimana in a bar located in the urban center of Buhiga, in east-central Burundi, wounding him with a bullet.
Incident Details and Court Ruling
The incident that led to the conviction unfolded in a bar within the urban center of Buhiga, a locality situated in Burundi's east-central region. The Court of Appeal of Gitega reclassified the charges against Lieutenant Jean Bosco Nayuburundi, ultimately finding him guilty of serious voluntary assault and battery. This reclassification was a significant development, as the prosecution had initially pursued a more severe charge of attempted murder against the police officer.
During the legal proceedings, Lieutenant Nayuburundi maintained that Nicolas Nsabimana was struck accidentally. The officer's defense centered on his assertion that the incident occurred as he was actively intervening to separate a group of individuals engaged in an altercation within the establishment. Lieutenant Nayuburundi stated that his actions were an attempt to de-escalate a volatile situation. His defense contended that the shooting was not intentional but rather an unintended consequence of his efforts to restore order. The court's reclassification of the facts from attempted murder to serious voluntary assault and battery led to the conviction for the lesser charge, resulting in the five-year prison sentence and the fine of 100,000 Burundian francs. This fine, equivalent to approximately 35 US dollars, was imposed in addition to the custodial sentence.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Throughout the trial, the public prosecutor's office had sought a fifteen-year prison sentence against Lieutenant Jean Bosco Nayuburundi, reflecting the gravity with which they viewed the initial charge of attempted murder. This request shows the seriousness with which the state approached the prosecution of a law enforcement officer. In stark contrast to the prosecution's demand, the defense argued vigorously for the officer’s complete acquittal. Nayuburundi, in his own defense, stated his desire to resume his police service upon the resolution of the case. He expressed his willingness to cover the medical expenses incurred by Nicolas Nsabimana, demonstrating an acknowledgment of the victim's injury.
Next Steps and Victim's Condition
Following the court's decision, Nicolas Nsabimana, the individual injured in the shooting, is currently receiving medical care at the Buhiga hospital. His hospitalization confirms the physical impact of the incident. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Jean Bosco Nayuburundi, the officer convicted in the case, has promptly announced his intention to appeal the Gitega Court of Appeal's decision. Nayuburundi stated he would bring his appeal before the Supreme Court (Cour suprême), indicating his resolve to challenge the verdict and sentence handed down by the lower court. This appeal process will likely extend the legal proceedings, as the Supreme Court reviews the case.
