News: Preventable tragedy raises questions about police security in the DRC
Four people were injured, including one fatally, when an element of the Congolese National Police opened fire on a crowd this Sunday, August 06, 2023. The incident occurred in the Lumuna Mikoko group, Bakua Nyambi sector , about fifty kilometers from the town of Tshikapa.
According to eyewitnesses, the police were on their way to Mayi Munene village when they were attacked by a group of youths following the arrest of one of their friends for unknown reasons. In an attempt to scare the crowd, one of the officers opened fire at close range, hitting four people. Unfortunately, one of them lost her life on the spot, while the other three were seriously injured.
The lifeless body of the victim, named Tshibola Dibata, was transported to Tshikapa and placed in the morgue of the General Reference Hospital. Another victim, Kapinga Mulume, hit in the thigh by a bullet, was also taken to the Tshikapa General Reference Hospital to receive appropriate care. Unfortunately, due to a lack of financial means, the other injured are still left in the village, without access to the necessary medical care.
The families of the victims are now demanding the support of the provincial authorities of Kasai to take charge of the treatment of the injured and provide adequate support. This tragedy highlights once again the issue of police security in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raises questions about the measures taken to prevent such incidents.
It is essential that the authorities take prompt and effective action to investigate this event, prosecute those responsible and ensure that such violence does not happen again in the future. Security and respect for human rights are fundamental values that must be defended and preserved by law enforcement.
This tragedy is also a reminder of the urgent need for security forces to receive adequate training on the proportionate use of force and respect for citizens’ rights. It is crucial to promote a culture of responsibility and accountability within police institutions in order to guarantee trust and mutual respect between the population and law enforcement.
In conclusion, this preventable tragedy raises crucial questions about police security in the DRC. It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure that law enforcement agencies act with respect for human rights and the safety of citizens