Kidnappings in Kinshasa: psychosis sets in
The multiplication of cases of kidnappings of people in Kinshasa in recent times has created a real psychosis among the inhabitants of the Congolese capital. The testimonies collected by the editorial staff of CONGOPROFOND. NET testify to the growing concern of the population in the face of this situation of growing insecurity.
Marcel Muamba, a shop assistant and resident of the commune of Masina, tells the story of his cousin who was abducted by armed men in a taxi and held hostage for three days, before being released after the payment of a $500 ransom via Mobile money. Also in his neighborhood, three cases of kidnappings have been recorded, one of which tragically resulted in the death of the victim. Fear sets in and everyone wonders who will be next on the list.
These kidnappings are carried out through yellow taxis, commonly known as “Ketches”. The population, who used these taxis with confidence to get around, now expresses legitimate concerns and asks the authorities to take drastic measures to put an end to this phenomenon.
It should be noted that the police have already arrested a group of criminals, numbering about thirty, last week. However, the population considers the work of the police to be ineffective and lives in panic, feeling abandoned to its sad fate. She is also concerned that despite the arrests, the cases of kidnappings continue to increase every day.
A climate of mistrust has settled in the capital, making it difficult to identify the “Ketch” taxis that serve as cover for these criminal operations. Suspicion reigns, both on the side of drivers and customers, and it becomes a real ordeal for taxi drivers who are struggling to find customers. Their livelihood is therefore threatened.
Faced with this alarming situation, the competent authorities, in particular the national and provincial Ministers of the Interior, must redouble their efforts to stem this phenomenon and reassure the population. There is an urgent need to put an end to these criminal and inhumane practices.
Miradie ODIA (Trainee)/ CONGOPROFOND. NET.
In short, the kidnappings in Kinshasa have given rise to real psychosis among the population. The testimonies collected show growing concern about this wave of insecurity. Yellow cabs, called “Ketchs”, are used as transportation by criminals to carry out these kidnappings. Despite the arrests made by the police, the cases of kidnappings continue to increase. This situation has created a climate of general mistrust, particularly impacting taxi drivers who are struggling to find customers. The authorities must take urgent measures to put an end to this phenomenon and reassure the population