The Justice Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko-Andali, has reacted to the death of Vincent Mwana Mulenda, president of the Haut-Katanga High Court. Mulenda died after being seriously injured during an armed attack at his residence in Lubumbashi. The minister announced that an investigation is underway to establish the facts and determine possible responsibilities.
In a condolence message, the Justice Minister expressed his deep shock at the disappearance of the high magistrate. He promised an investigation in accordance with the procedure. The minister described Mulenda's death as a loss for the Congolese judicial system, saying, "Our justice system loses a dedicated servant, respected for his integrity and sense of duty."
According to initial reports from judicial and local sources, armed men entered the magistrate's residence at night. They allegedly scaled the walls, broke windows, and demanded the keys to the vehicle and money before shooting the magistrate. Mulenda was hit in the leg and seriously injured in the head. His relatives initially took him to Don Bosco Afia for first aid, but he was later transferred to the CHTT due to the severity of his condition.
Unfortunately, Mulenda did not survive his injuries. His daughter was also reportedly injured in the head during the attack. The assailants made away with several items, including the magistrate's vehicle and an envelope containing money. A shell casing and a knife were found at the scene, according to initial reports. The announcement of Mulenda's death sent shockwaves among his colleagues, with several magistrates visiting the morgue after the news broke.
The investigation aims to establish the precise circumstances of the attack and identify potential perpetrators. The Justice Minister emphasized the need to conduct the investigation "in strict respect of the law, procedure, defense rights, and judicial independence." The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to protecting magistrates, their dignity, and the authority of the judicial institution.
This incident occurs amid a series of armed banditry acts in Lubumbashi. On September 6, two police officers were killed during a robbery at a gas station in the Kilobelobe neighborhood. Five suspects were subsequently presented as being involved in the attack. The DR Congo judicial system has been facing several challenges, including the recent conviction of former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba to 10 years of forced labor.
The DR Congo government faces pressure to enhance security and protect citizens, particularly in the wake of rising banditry and violence. The murder of Vincent Mwana Mulenda has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for swift action to bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The DR Congo Justice Minister has launched an investigation into the assassination of the Haut-Katanga High Court president, Vincent Mwana Mulenda.
- The attack occurred at Mulenda's residence in Lubumbashi, with armed men demanding money and valuables before shooting the magistrate.
- The incident has sparked concern over rising banditry and violence in Lubumbashi, with authorities urged to take swift action to bring perpetrators to justice.
