A court in Kinshasa has ordered the retention of Manassé Lomboto's body, suspending his burial, which was scheduled for Saturday. The body of the opposition activist will remain at the morgue of the Cinquantenaire University Hospital Center. This decision comes amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances of his death, which occurred after violence during a march on September 15.
The decision was made by the prosecutor's office near the Kinshasa/Kalamu Tribunal de grande instance. In a requisition addressed to the hospital administration, the prosecutor requested that the body be preserved until the completion of judicial investigations. The prosecutor justified this measure by citing the need to shed light on Lomboto's death, which is currently under investigation.
Manassé Lomboto's death occurred in the context of violence during a march organized by the Coalition for the Defense of Constitutional Order (C64) on September 15 in Kinshasa. As a member of the security team for the ADD Congo and close collaborator of opposition leader Prince Epenge, Lomboto was injured during the incidents and later succumbed to his injuries.
The C64 and ADD Congo have been calling for an independent investigation to determine the exact circumstances of Lomboto's death and establish any potential responsibilities. The retention of the body adds a judicial dimension to the case. The burial, which was expected to take place with the participation of Lomboto's family, close relatives, and several C64 officials, has been postponed until further notice.
The date for a potential resumption of the funeral rites has not been communicated. The judicial decision has caused a delay in the burial process, leaving Lomboto's family and supporters in a state of uncertainty. The investigations into Lomboto's death are ongoing, and the authorities have not yet announced a timeline for their completion.
The opposition and human rights groups have expressed concerns about the circumstances of Lomboto's death and the subsequent handling of the case. They have called for transparency and accountability in the investigation, emphasizing the need to establish the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
The retention of Manassé Lomboto's body is a significant development in the case, highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding the investigation into his death. As the judicial process continues, the authorities will need to balance the need for a thorough investigation with the desire of Lomboto's family and supporters to honor his memory and provide closure.
Key points
- The Kinshasa court has ordered the retention of Manassé Lomboto's body to allow for further investigations into his death.
- The opposition and human rights groups are calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation into Lomboto's death.
- The burial of Manassé Lomboto has been suspended until further notice, pending the outcome of the judicial investigations.
