Armed Bandits Kill Money Changer in Goma: Tragedy Strikes Congo Town
In a tragic incident on Monday, January 20th, armed bandits killed a money changer in Nyabushongo, located in the Ndosho neighborhood of Goma, Congo. According to the civil society of the Karisimbi commune, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and shot the currency exchanger operating along the Katindo terminus axis, just 10 meters away from his home. The bandits fled the scene minutes after committing the crime.
Witnesses Detail the Attack
“It was around 7:00 pm. The bandits were on a motorcycle. Those who saw them said they were wearing military-style uniforms. Apparently, they had been monitoring Mr. Murhula’s movements from his workplace to the Katindo Terminus, where he sells phone credits, conducts mobile money transactions, and exchanges currency. They shot him twice in the chest before disappearing with his money bag. He was quickly taken to the hospital but unfortunately passed away en route,” recounted Christian Kalamo, the president of the Karisimbi civil society.
Outcry and Calls for Justice
Former provincial deputy Jean-Paul Lumbulumbu condemned the act and urged security services to swiftly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators. “Murhula, also known as Kamerhe, a money changer, has succumbed to the bullets fired by armed bandits in Goma (Nyabushongo) who seek to challenge the momentum of the ‘Safisha Muji’ operation launched by Goma’s police mayor. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions,” he wrote.
This tragic incident is part of a disturbing trend targeting money changers in Goma, following a similar attack on October 27th in the Kyeshero neighborhood, where another currency exchanger was killed. Over the weekend, an officer and a woman were also fatally shot by armed bandits in comparable circumstances.
Amidst these escalating acts of violence, the community mourns the loss of yet another innocent life and demands justice for Murhula, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of brutality.
With each tragedy, the call for increased security measures and swift justice grows louder in Goma, as the city grapples with the rising threat of armed banditry and senseless killings on its streets. As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated money changer, it also stands united in demanding accountability and justice for those responsible for this heinous crime.