Title: The case of kidnappings in Kinshasa: an exemplary demand for justice
Introduction:
The kidnappings in Kinshasa recently shook the population and sparked a wave of fear and desolation. Unscrupulous individuals operated as kidnappers, using taxis as cover to carry out their crimes. Following the trial which took place recently, the NGO “Dynamics for the fight against human trafficking and human trafficking” (DCTH) demanded from the Congolese authorities exemplary justice for the culprits.
Sentences handed down:
The Tribunal de Grande Instance of Kinshasa/Gombe rendered its verdict, finding the 27 kidnappers guilty, including 4 police officers. The charges against them include criminal association, armed robbery and murder. The sentences handed down range from the death penalty to 10 years of main penal servitude, as well as prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years depending on the seriousness of the offence. In addition, they were ordered to pay damages and substantial fines.
The request of the DCTH:
Despite these convictions, the DCTH believes that additional measures must be taken to ensure that the convicts serve their sentences adequately. According to the national coordinator of the NGO, Dieumerci Kitamboau, it is essential that the Prime Minister instruct the Minister of Justice to ensure that criminals are incarcerated far from Kinshasa, in prisons located in Buluo (Kolwezi) or Angenga ( Mongolia).
A traumatized population:
The kidnappings in Kinshasa have caused real psychosis within the population. Citizens are still marked by these tragic events and many remain wary of taxis, associating them with a potential threat. Some also wonder if the real sponsors of these criminal actions have been apprehended or if they continue to operate in the shadows, thus constituting a persistent threat to the people of Kinshasa.
Conclusion:
The Kinshasa kidnappings case has highlighted the extent of the security problem in the Congolese capital. Convictions are a first step towards justice, but it is essential to ensure that sentences are actually served and those responsible for these serious crimes are held accountable. The DCTH’s request that the convicts be placed in prisons far from Kinshasa is a necessary additional measure to guarantee the safety of the population and prevent future criminal acts of this nature