Justice Militaire Condamne à Mort Délinquant Coupant Main à Lemba, Kinshasa
In a shocking turn of events, the military garrison court in Kinshasa/Matete sentenced delinquent Issa Bokando to death for terrorism and criminal association following a swift trial held in Lemba on Tuesday, January 14, 2024. The defendant stands accused of brutally amputating a young man’s arm in Lemba, an incident that went viral on social media. Along with the death penalty, he has been ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 for damages.
Victim Testimony and Legal Defense
During the trial, which concluded late into the night in the presence of the Minister of Justice, the victim, Matali Movili, bravely recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked with machetes after intervening to help a lady whose bag was being stolen. Despite the emotional and physical trauma he endured, Matali positively identified Issa as the perpetrator who severed his right hand before instructing his accomplices to continue the assault.
On the other hand, Issa’s defense team vehemently denied the charges of criminal association, pointing out that only one person, their client, was on trial. They also raised doubts about the clarity of the victim’s and other witnesses’ testimonies regarding the actual perpetrator of the amputation. Despite their efforts, the court ruled against Issa, much to the delight of the gathered spectators.
Government Crackdown on Criminal Activity
This incident comes in the wake of a broader crackdown on criminal activities in Kinshasa by the military garrison court. Just the day before, the court identified 152 suspected Kuluna gang members, with 56 individuals presenting evidence before the judges. These individuals are facing charges of intentional assault resulting in death, highlighting the severity of the crimes being addressed.
In a recent press briefing, Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba disclosed that over a hundred of these convicted criminals have been transferred to high-security prisons in Luzumu and Angenga. These measures are part of the government’s operation “Ndobo,” aimed at curbing urban crime in Kinshasa, with promising results already seen in the initial phases of implementation.
As the legal proceedings continue and justice is served, the community remains vigilant and hopeful for a safer future, free from the grips of criminal elements terrorizing the city’s streets.
Conclusion
In the face of such heinous crimes, the swift and decisive actions of the military court send a strong message against terrorism and criminal activities in Kinshasa. As the wheels of justice turn, the hope for a safer and more secure environment for all citizens remains at the forefront of these legal proceedings. Let this serve as a reminder that justice will prevail, even in the face of adversity.