The tragic accident that occurred in Tshikapa (Kasaï), involving a Congolese army truck, cost the lives of five members of the national police, a soldier and three civilians. This painful event occurred when the truck, transporting the remains of senior superintendent Godefroid Mikanda Mingu, who died last week in Tshikapa, collided with another vehicle which had broken down.
According to police sources, the funeral delegation’s truck violently collided with the broken down vehicle, resulting in the death of nine people in total. In addition to the five police officers, the soldier and the three civilians who died, five other soldiers were seriously injured and their life prognosis is in jeopardy.
This tragic accident occurs in a context already marked by a series of acts of insecurity in Tshikapa. The previous week, Senior Superintendent Godefroid Mikanda was shot dead while trying to help neighbors attacked by armed bandits. His body was to be repatriated to his hometown of Mweka for burial.
The police attribute this accident to the recklessness of the driver of the Kamaz truck. However, authorities need to investigate further to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy.
This news echoes a worrying situation in the DRC where insecurity remains a major problem. Law enforcement, already facing many challenges in their law enforcement mission, must deal with accidents that cost the lives of their own members.
It is essential that measures are taken to prevent such accidents in the future. This includes increased awareness of road safety and regular checks of the condition of vehicles used by law enforcement.
This tragic accident also reminds us of the importance of supporting and paying tribute to the police who risk their lives every day to protect the population. Their dedication and bravery must be recognized and encouraged.
In conclusion, this accident is a tragedy which hits the Congolese national police hard. It is essential to take measures to avoid such tragedies in the future and to support our law enforcement in their noble mission to secure and protect the population.