Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa visited Makala Central Prison on Wednesday, September 4, where 129 inmates died on the night of September 1-2 during the repression of what the authorities present as an escape attempt. The director of the prison has been suspended.
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From our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
Joseph Yusufu Maliki has been suspended from his duties by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba. He is now the subject of active searches by the Congolese authorities and an official wanted notice has been issued against him, while 129 prisoners lost their lives in the prison from Makala on the night of Sunday 1st to Monday 2nd September, according to Congolese authorities.
Joseph Yusufu Maliki suspended from his duties
According to several sources contacted by RFI, Joseph Yusufu Maliki reportedly declared yesterday, Wednesday, September 4, that he was ill, thus justifying his absence from Makala prison. However, other sources claim that he has already left the national territory.
Back in Kinshasa on Wednesday, September 4, Constant Mutamba immediately went to Makala prison to assess the extent of the damage and begin his own investigations. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa also went to the site.
Contrary to the government’s official version, which suggests an attempt to escape from the prison, the minister rejects this hypothesis, denouncing an act of sabotage aimed at thwarting his efforts to relieve the prison. He considers that this is an orchestrated plot and has promised to elucidate this affair within two weeks.
Suspensions and arrests may continue as part of this in-depth investigation.
Also listen toDRC: “Makala remains this antechamber of hell where survival is a miracle”