Ngoma: Man Dies After Falling Into Abandoned Pit Latrine

NGOMA, Rwanda - December 26, 2025 - A 50-year-old man died after falling into an abandoned pit latrine in Nkanga Cell, Sake Sector, Ngoma District, in an incident local authorities have described as an accident.

The deceased, who was known locally as a tax collector in Sake Sector, died on the night of December 26, 2025. A 29-year-old woman who was with him at the time survived and was later found lying on top of the man inside the pit.

According to residents who responded to the incident, the pair fell into a disused toilet pit located in a banana plantation, near a small footpath frequently used by locals. Witnesses believe the two may have been intoxicated after attending Christmas celebrations, which may have contributed to the fall.

A resident who witnessed the rescue efforts said the man and the woman had gone out to celebrate Christmas before the incident occurred.

“We pulled them out of the hole. One of them was already dead, while the other was alive,” the resident said.

The surviving woman was first taken to a local health center before being transferred to Kibungo Hospital for further medical care.

Confirming the incident, Ngoma District Mayor Nathalie Niyonagira said authorities are treating the case as an accidental death.

“We received the report in the early hours of the morning. The pit was located close to a path used by residents. It was an accident. One person died, and the other was taken to hospital for treatment,” she said.

Local authorities have urged residents to secure or properly cover abandoned pit latrines to prevent similar tragedies.