Growing insecurity in public transport in Kinshasa: measures taken by the authorities
The city of Kinshasa is currently facing a growing wave of insecurity in public transport. Cases of kidnappings, mainly in taxis, commonly known as “Ketch”, are increasing, causing fear and mistrust among locals. These criminals often adopt a strategy of having an accomplice wife to gain the confidence of the passengers, then they terrorize the victims, steal their property and abandon them to their sad fate.
These series of abductions have sometimes fueled rumors of organ trafficking, but government and police authorities have denied these allegations after investigation. Nevertheless, public transport users in Kinshasa now live in mistrust and seek solutions to ensure their safety during their travels.
Faced with this worrying situation, the authorities have taken measures to combat this phenomenon. Mixed patrols, bringing together different security services, have been set up in the city. Checkpoints have also been set up to track down suspicious individuals. These actions aim to reinforce the presence of law enforcement at places where public transport passes and to deter criminals.
It should be noted that these measures have already borne fruit, since dozens of alleged kidnappers have been arrested. Among them are 23 armed civilians, including 6 women, as well as 4 police officers. During the arrests, the security forces seized several vehicles, motorcycles, bladed weapons, a rifle and balaclavas. These individuals were brought to justice, and the Gombe High Court sentenced them to capital punishment, with the exception of one defendant who received a two-year suspended prison sentence.
These repressive actions are a strong signal sent to criminals and organized gangs operating in public transport in Kinshasa. However, it is necessary to continue efforts to prevent and secure the movement of residents. The involvement of civil society, associations for the defense of users’ rights, as well as the awareness of the population are also key factors for lasting change in the situation and restoring confidence in public transport.
In conclusion, although insecurity in public transport in Kinshasa is a worrying problem, the measures taken by the authorities to combat this phenomenon are encouraging. The repression of the perpetrators of kidnappings, combined with a reinforced presence of the security forces, helps to allay the fears of users. However, it is essential to continue to work on prevention and education of the inhabitants to establish lasting safety in the city’s public transport