In a surprising and shocking incident, two soldiers from the DRC Armed Forces were arrested a few days ago while engaging in criminal activities in the city of Uvira, located in the province of South Kivu. The scene, worthy of a Hollywood script, saw these individuals, who were supposed to ensure the safety of citizens, burglarizing a store specializing in the sale of telephones.
The rapid and effective reaction of local law enforcement officers made it possible to put an end to this attempted robbery, but the outcome was unfortunately not without consequences. The criminals opened fire on the members of the mixed patrol, composed of police officers, soldiers and civilians, seriously injuring one of the young Wazalendo engaged in this surveillance operation. He tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Faced with this sad event that shook the local community, Uvira civil society is loudly demanding that a flagrant trial be held so that justice is done and exemplary behavior is set. In fact, these recent acts of insecurity, such as armed robberies, hold-ups and extortion, cannot be tolerated, especially when they are perpetrated by individuals who are supposed to guarantee the security and peace of mind of citizens.
Beyond the simple issue of public security, this scandal also raises questions about the morality and integrity of the Congolese armed forces. It is essential that measures be taken to ensure that such events do not happen again in the future and that responsibilities are clearly established.
The Uvira military prosecutor’s office, in charge of the investigation, confirmed the involvement of a battalion commander in this case, thus highlighting the magnitude of the situation. All light must be shed on this incident and the perpetrators must answer for their actions before the courts.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the population of Uvira and the province of South Kivu as a whole can regain a sense of security and trust in the institutions responsible for protecting them. No one should fear for their life or property because of those who are supposed to protect and serve them.