The trial for the murder of three inspectors of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST) as well as their two companions, who were killed during clashes with KAMUINA NSAPU militiamen in Muoyo Musuila in Kasai Central, opened on Tuesday, August 22 before the Kasai Court of Appeal. Scheduled to last five days, this trial raises many expectations and is of great importance for the families of the victims and for the fight against impunity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The opening of this trial was welcomed by the coordinator of the National Association of Victims of Congo (ANVC), Mhyrrand Mulumba, who is asking that the presumed culprits be prosecuted and sentenced. For him, it is essential that justice be done to value the victims and to prevent such crimes from going unpunished. The ANVC is closely monitoring the proceedings and expresses doubts about the outcome of the sentence if the real perpetrators are not identified and tried.
The main defendant in this trial is Mulumba Kamuakala Thomas, a member of the Kamuina Nsapu militia, who was arrested a few years ago. His guilt or innocence will soon be determined in the hours to come. The ANVC hopes this trial will shed light on the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring justice to the victims and their families.
The holding of this trial is an important step in the fight against impunity in the DRC and particularly in the Kasai region. However, much remains to be done to ensure that all court decisions are rendered in the name of the Congolese people, as Article 149 of the Constitution recalls. The ANVC will continue to mobilize and advocate for justice and respect for the rights of victims.
In conclusion, the opening of the trial for the murder of the EPST inspectors and their companions is a crucial moment in the quest for justice in the DRC. It is essential that the alleged perpetrators be prosecuted and sentenced in order to empower the victims and avoid impunity. The ANVC remains vigilant on the outcome of the sentence and will continue to fight against impunity for serious crimes committed in the DRC, in particular in the Kasai region