Even if the DRC government has never confirmed cases of escapes during the September 1, 2024 attempt, some security and government sources are of the opinion that there were indeed escapes. To this was added, according to the correspondence of the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, those who left this prison “outside any legal criteria”.
“Resurgence”
Prosecutor Firmin M’vonde says he has noted that, for almost three weeks, we have “observed in the city of Kinshasa a resurgence of cases of extortion, theft and attacks on human life.” This is the case of a murderer – sentenced to death – but released a few months later. He was later recaptured for attempted murder. Another case, this time a magistrate sentenced to three years in prison last January but who left prison eight months later.
Arm wrestling
Behind this correspondence, say several sources in Kinshasa, lies a standoff between magistrates and the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, orchestrator of the massive releases of detainees in Makala since his appointment. According to his entourage, the lists of prisoners for release are established – jointly – by a commission of magistrates and the prison administration.
