Bujumbura — A mortar that was accidentally fired by a policeman into Cibitoke wounded three persons. The wounded include two policemen and a civilian.

The incident took place yesterday evening. Gunshots were also heard in the commune of Kamenge, but no one was hurt. Police sources indicate that a gang of robbers were attempting to rob a police officer living in Kamenge.

Security in the northern quarters has been disturbed over the past few weeks. An ex-army officer was arrested in connection with gang activities. In many northern quarters of the capital Bujumbura, the police are implicated in robberies. The impunity that is characteristic of the police was publicly shown at the court of the mayorship of Bujumbura where a senior policeman interrupted the activities of a magistrate who was instigating a case against a policeman. Magistrates have temporarily suspended their activities to protest against the move of the police officer who â-šlacked regard for courts", as the leader of the Trade Union of Magistrates of Burundi says.

The recent escalation of insecurity in the city of Bujumbura recalls the wartime. Businessmen have been the target of the armed gangs. The disarmament process has failed due to lack of means and goodwill.