The Constitutional Court settles the case of the debacle of the Bukanga Lonzo Agro-industrial park
The Constitutional Court has just set the date of the case concerning the debacle of the Bukanga Lonzo Agro-industrial park. This case, which involves the former governor of the Central Bank of Congo, Deogratias Mutombo, and the South African businessman, Christo Grobler, will be examined during a third public hearing on Monday September 25 at 1 p.m.
The two accused are notably being prosecuted for embezzlement of public funds intended for the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park. According to the accusations, they allegedly embezzled 205 million dollars out of the 285 million disbursed by the Public Treasury for the realization of this project, while Matata Ponyo was prime minister. In addition, Matata Ponyo and Deogratias Mutombo are also accused of embezzling $89 million allocated to the construction of the Kinshasa international market.
This case aroused strong reactions and the Constitutional Court decided to schedule a new hearing in order to respond to the defense requests of all parties involved. Indeed, the lawyers highlighted the fact that they did not have access to the file before the hearings, which is essential to be able to prepare a fair defense.
The President of the Constitutional Court, Dieudonné Kamuleta, therefore postponed the case and set the date for the hearing to allow all parties to gather the necessary evidence and ensure a fair trial.
This case highlights the importance of transparency in the management of public funds and the need to prosecute those responsible in the event of misappropriation. The Constitutional Court plays a key role in the fight against corruption and in the protection of public funds.
We now have to wait for the hearing on September 25 to see how this case will develop and what the consequences will be for the accused. Justice must be delivered in an impartial and fair manner, in order to guarantee citizens’ confidence in the judicial system and to ensure the proper management of public funds in the future.