Fatshimetrie: Persistent Terror on National Road 1
Road bandits continue to spread terror on National Road 1, particularly in the province of Kongo Central. On the night of Monday 18 to Tuesday 19 November, horrific scenes took place near the Lukala toll station, in the Mbanza-Ngungu territory. Travelers found themselves trapped between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. by lawless bandits.
Blaise Sese, a driver of large trucks and general secretary of the Association of Drivers, Mechanics, Conveyors and Loaders of Congo, reported that several travelers were robbed, men and women, at night by these ruthless road bandits.
According to him, the attack occurred shortly before the Lukala toll station, coming from Kolofuma, near a quarry. The criminals took advantage of the darkness to commit their misdeed, robbing travelers of their valuable belongings. Fortunately, no loss of human life was reported, but the material losses were significant. Money, phones and other personal belongings were stolen from victims trapped by these nocturnal criminals.
Faced with this situation, Blaise Sese deplores the lack of security on national road number 1 and calls on the authorities to take adequate measures. Drivers and travelers are plunged into a climate of terror and psychosis, endangering their safety and serenity during their travels.
It is our duty to condemn these criminal acts and demand concrete measures to put an end to this growing insecurity. The population has the right to travel safely on national roads, without fear of being victims of unscrupulous roadblocks.
It is imperative that the competent authorities take immediate measures to secure National Road Number 1 and put an end to these recurring attacks. Citizens have the right to be protected and to move around in peace on the country’s communication routes.
Together, let us mobilize to guarantee the safety of all and eradicate the scourge of roadblocks that is plaguing our nation. National Road Number 1 must not be the scene of unpunished crimes, but the symbol of safe and peaceful traffic for all Congolese citizens.