{UAH} DR Congo investigating murder of judge in high-profile graft case

DR Congo investigating murder of judge in high-profile graft case

By

 David Ochieng Mbewa

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32 mins ago

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ILE PHOTO: Vital Kamerhe, the chief of staff of DR Congo President Vital Kamerhe. REUTERS/Baz Ratner/File Photo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo launched a murder investigation following revelations that a judge who was leading a corruption case involving the president's chief of staff died a violent death.

The country's Justice minister, Celestin Tunda Ya Kasende, said Judge Raphael Yanyi died due to "blows of sharp points or knife-like objects, which were thrust into his head", according to an autopsy.

Police had initially reported that Yanyi, who died on May 26, had suffered a suspected heart attack.

The Ministry of Justice, which issued a separate statement announcing the investigation, added that Yanyi's body did not exhibit any toxic substances in non-lethal doses.

The sudden death of Yanyi forced proceedings in the case involving President Felix Tshisekedi's top aide Vital Kamerhe and two others to be suspended for a week.

The case, which is being heard at Kinshasa's central prison, resumed on June 3 and Yanyi has since been replaced as the head of the three-judge tribunal.

Kamerhe is accused of embezzling $50 million from funds for a social housing project. The 61-year-old maintains he is innocent and that he was not in office when the contracts in question were signed in April 2018.

The case against Kamerhe has been termed as a landmark in the country and is viewed as a step-up in the fight against corruption. However, some see it as a means of settling political scores. His supporters, in particular, claim it is a ploy to remove him from the 2023 presidential election.

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"Even a small dog can piss on a tall building", Jim Hightower

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