The Bukangalonzo affair, which is currently making headlines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, experienced a new twist this Monday. The Constitutional Court decided to postpone the case until September 25, thus granting additional time to guarantee access to all the documents in the file for the various defendants.
Among these defendants, we find former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, South African businessman Christo Groobler and the former governor of the Central Bank of Congo, Déogratias Mutombo. All appeared in person during this hearing, assisted by their respective lawyers.
The charges against Matata Ponyo and Groobler are extremely serious, with accusations of embezzlement, overcharging and creating shell companies. In addition, Matata Ponyo and Mutombo are also accused of embezzling funds intended for the construction of an international market in Kinshasa.
Faced with the complexity and seriousness of the accusations, Matata Ponyo’s lawyers requested additional time in order to examine the case in detail and prepare their defense. This request was accepted by the Constitutional Court, which reprimanded the registrar in session for not having provided all the documents in the file on time.
Thus, defendants now benefit from a period of three weeks to prepare their defense. The next hearing is scheduled for September 25, and all parties have been duly informed of this decision.
This affair, which arouses great media interest in the DRC, highlights the fight against corruption and embezzlement in the country. The involvement of high-ranking politicians and businessmen highlights the importance of conducting thorough investigations and ensuring a fair judicial process.
It remains to be seen how this case will develop and what the final outcome will be. In the meantime, all eyes are on the Constitutional Court and the defendants, awaiting a resolution that will restore justice and transparency to this high-profile case.
Original Article:
The Bukangalonzo affair: Additional time granted by the Constitutional Court to guarantee access to all documents in the case
(link: https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/05/laffaires-bukangalonzo-un-delay-supplementaire-accorde-par-la-cour-constitutionnelle-pour-garantir-lacces-a-toutes-les -pieces-du-dossier/) fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/05…