The High Military Court rejected the request for provisional release of Brigadier General Zelwa Katanga known as Djadjidja. During the hearing held in Kinshasa, the court declared the claim admissible but unfounded, given the seriousness of the charges against him. Brigadier General Zelwa Katanga is being prosecuted for criminal association and murder in connection with the case of the murder of human rights defender Floribert Chebeya and his driver Fidèle Bazana Edadi in 2010.
The decision of the High Military Court is based on article 45 paragraph 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which stipulates that the means drawn from the civil status and the known address of the defendant are not decisive for granting provisional release. , when the reasons for his preventive detention persist. In the case of General Zelwa Katanga, the court considered that the reasons which justified his arrest warrant and preventive detention were still valid.
This decision to reject the request for provisional release underlines the will of the High Military Court to guarantee the integrity of the judicial process and to ensure that defendants accused of serious crimes remain in detention until their appearance in court. It also confirms the importance attached to the independence of the judiciary in the examination of criminal cases.
This case highlights the challenges facing military justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly when it comes to trying serious crimes committed by members of the armed forces. The holding of a fair trial and respect for the rights of the defense are essential to ensure justice and fight against impunity.
It is important to remember that the decision of the High Military Court is not final and that General Zelwa Katanga can appeal against this decision before a higher court. The case therefore remains ongoing and the search for truth and justice in the assassination of Floribert Chebeya and his driver continues.
In conclusion, the rejection of Brigadier General Zelwa Katanga’s request for provisional release by the High Military Court underlines the importance given to the seriousness of the crimes with which he is charged and to the preservation of the integrity of the judicial process. This decision also highlights the challenges facing military justice in the DRC and highlights the need to guarantee a fair trial to ensure justice and fight against impunity. The outcome of this case remains to be followed.