The High Military Court of the DRC recently conducted an investigation into the mining company SMB and its security. Since the beginning of the hearings, the numerous testimonies indicate that 86 police officers were at the service of the SMB to ensure its security, although the initial contract signed between the mining company and the Democratic Republic of Congo mentioned only 43 police officers.
The PNC general inspectorate also confirmed in a report that only 43 police officers were included in the initial contract, while the other 43 police officers were added later by special arrangement with the deputy provincial commissioner of police, Van Kasongo.
However, during the investigation by the High Military Court, Kasongo said that this decision was taken at the national level and that there were two teams of 43 for rotation.
This case has also been linked to a scandal involving Édouard Mwangachuchu, who is suspected of having links with the M23 rebels and who is being prosecuted for treason, participation in an insurrectionary movement, espionage and illegal possession of weapons.
In conclusion, the SMB security case highlights the challenges of private security management in the DRC. Special arrangements with authorities to hire additional security guards can lead to legal problems, corruption and violation of initial contracts