Madame Stephie Elonga, the widow of the late Kevin Tamba, who was tragically killed during the attack led by Christian Malanga and his group, has taken a bold step in the ongoing appeal trial of the coup attempt. The trial unfolded on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Military Court in Kinshasa/Gombe, holding a special session at the Ndolo military prison.
Widow’s Emotional Appeal for Justice
During the proceedings, Madame Elonga, represented by her legal team, expressed her reasons for appealing to the military court. She argued that the $200,000 USD awarded to her as damages by the initial judge was inadequate. She highlighted various factors, including the responsibility of caring for her children as a single mother following her husband’s tragic demise. Madame Elonga firmly requested the military court to reconsider this amount and instead, impose a judgment for the defendants to pay $20 million USD.
Republic’s Stance and Legal Developments
Another party involved in this trial, the Republic, reiterated its position during the hearing, maintaining that their case remains unchanged. They presented their arguments before the military court and expressed their willingness to abide by the court’s decision regarding the compensation they may receive as damages. Following the statements from the civil parties, the next steps in the trial will involve the prosecution’s closing arguments and the defense counsel’s pleas. These proceedings are scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025, the date set by the Court for further deliberations on the case.
Sentencing and Legal Ramifications
At the initial trial phase, out of 51 defendants, 37 individuals were sentenced to death for crimes related to conspiracy, attacks, and terrorism. Among those convicted were Marcel Malanga, the son of Christian Malanga, Tyler Christian Thomson, Zalman Pollum Benjamin, Nkele Mbuela Ruffin, and the Belgian-Congolese military expert Jean-Jacques Wondo. Additionally, some of the defendants received a 20-year prison term for the illegal possession of firearms.
As the appeal trial progresses, the widow’s plea for justice adds a poignant human touch to the legal proceedings, shedding light on the personal impact of these heinous crimes on the victims’ families. The quest for justice continues for Madame Elonga, as she bravely navigates the complexities of the legal system in pursuit of closure and accountability for her husband’s untimely death. The courtroom drama unfolds, revealing the intricate web of legal intricacies and emotional turmoil intertwined in the aftermath of the coup attempt, underscoring the enduring quest for justice and reparation in the face of adversity.