The military tribunal of Kinshasa-Gombe continued its interrogation on Friday, July 12th, of individuals accused of the May 19th, 2024 attacks on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the current President of the National Assembly, and the Palais de la Nation. Fifty-one individuals stand accused of participating in the assault.
The hearings focused on the movements of the alleged assailants on the day of the operation, tracing their journey from the Kongo Central province to Kinshasa, and from their residence in Kinshasa to the scene of the attack.
A crucial point of inquiry was how the assailants acquired one of the vehicles used in the armed attack in Kinshasa. According to the DRC’s public prosecutor and a civil party, the assailants allegedly stole a car from a civilian, Kevin Tamba, after fatally shooting him.
One of the passengers in this car, a friend of Kevin Tamba, testified, detailing the event as he experienced it and explaining how he and another passenger escaped. He also identified the alleged shooter responsible for Tamba’s death, who left behind a widow and a child.
The accused shooter denied any involvement, asserting that he had never handled a weapon.
The court adjourned the proceedings until Monday, July 15. In the next session, the tribunal will continue its hearings, including testimonies from the managers of the lodge where the alleged assailants stayed in Kinshasa.
It is also anticipated that experts requested by the public prosecutor may be called to testify.
This trial is a pivotal moment in addressing the violence that shook the nation, with the court meticulously examining the evidence and testimonies to deliver justice.