Abductions in Kinshasa: a psychosis that grips the population and calls for drastic measures
The increase in kidnappings in Kinshasa in recent times has generated a wave of panic among the inhabitants of the Congolese capital. According to a survey conducted by the editorial staff of CONGOPROFOND.NET, many Kinshasa people live in total concern about this situation of growing insecurity.
Marcel Muamba, a resident of the commune of Masina, testifies: “One of my cousins was kidnapped by armed men on board a taxi and held captive for three days. He was released after his family paid a ransom of $500 via Mobile money”. He adds that in his neighborhood three cases of kidnappings have been reported, one of which ended in the death of the victim. A growing terror reigns and everyone wonders who will be next on the list.
It is important to note that these kidnappings are often carried out using yellow taxis, commonly known as “ketches”. The inhabitants, who previously used these taxis to get around, express their concern to the authorities and demand strict measures to put an end to this phenomenon.
It should be noted that the police recently arrested and sentenced a group of more than thirty bandits responsible for these kidnappings. However, the population considers the work of the police to be ineffective, as cases of kidnappings continue to increase day after day.
We therefore wonder when these criminal and inhuman practices will end. This situation has created a general climate of mistrust in the capital, making it difficult to identify taxis and sowing doubt among drivers and customers. Taxi drivers, who are already struggling to find customers, see their livelihood threatened.
Faced with this alarming situation, the competent authorities, in particular the Ministers of the Interior at national and provincial level, must redouble their efforts to stem this worrying phenomenon.
It is essential to find effective solutions to ensure the safety of the population and restore confidence in the city of Kinshasa.