In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), around thirty people suspected of belonging to networks of kidnappers are in court on Wednesday, July 5th in Kinshasa, after being brought before the prosecution the day before. The people of Kinshasa live in fear of being kidnapped, especially in taxis, and the police accuse magistrates of releasing criminals too easily.
Kinshasa’s police chief Sylvano Kasongo explains that these are organized gangs, where everyone has their role to play. The gangs specialize in kidnapping and passing by with their car, stripping the customers, and then releasing them. They sometimes demand ransoms and take credit cards and bank passwords to steal money.
“There are a few crooked magistrates who made it difficult for us. We arrest people, and when they are released, they form other gangs, which makes it difficult for the police. Now, we want to reassure the population, the situation is under control, Nothing escapes us”. Assures Sylvano Kasongo.
Seized by the high authorities of the country, the Attorney General went to the provincial police station, “I came to inquire to find out who is or who are these magistrates who allow themselves to release or grant provisional releases to such criminals. The answers are given to me”. In this case, a military magistrate has already been identified and the attorney general has promised to take action.