Rusizi: Woman Allegedly Gives Husband Acid Mistaken for Traditional Remedy (Inzaratsi)

A man from Gihundwe Sector in Rusizi District is receiving treatment at Gihundwe Hospital after allegedly drinking a substance believed to be acid, which his wife reportedly thought was a traditional remedy (inzaratsi). The incident occurred in Kamabuye Village, Burunga Cell, during the night of September 3, 2026. According to preliminary information, the man was asleep when his wife gave him the substance in a cup and made him drink it. He reportedly experienced severe pain in his mouth, followed by swelling of his tongue and lips. He was first taken to Gihundwe Health Centre for emergency t

A man from Gihundwe Sector in Rusizi District is receiving treatment at Gihundwe Hospital after allegedly drinking a substance believed to be acid, which his wife reportedly thought was a traditional remedy (inzaratsi). The incident occurred in Kamabuye Village, Burunga Cell, during the night of September 3, 2026. According to preliminary information, the man was asleep when his wife gave him the substance in a cup and made him drink it. He reportedly experienced severe pain in his mouth, followed by swelling of his tongue and lips. He was first taken to Gihundwe Health Centre for emergency treatment before being transferred to Gihundwe Hospital. Neighbours said the couple had been living together for only about three months and that they were not aware of any serious conflict between them. However, the woman had reportedly complained that her husband brought other women home. She is also alleged to have said that the substance was given to her by another woman who claimed it was a traditional remedy (inzaratsi) that could help stop her husband from being unfaithful. Gihundwe Sector Executive Secretary Ndagijimana Damien confirmed that the man remains in hospital while his wife has been handed over to investigators. She is currently being held at Kamembe Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead seek assistance from competent authorities when dealing with domestic or other disputes.