KINSHASA, FEBRUARY 27, 2015(CISA) – Bishop Théophile Kaboy Ruboneka of the Catholic Diocese Bishop of Goma has condemned the state of insecurity in the area following the recent killing of a priest.
Fr Jean-Paul Kakule Kyalembera, of the parish of Mweso (in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) was killed in an apparent robbery attempt on the evening of 25 February, reported Fides.
According to Bishop Kaboy the incident appeared to be an act of banditry and the current situation in the area “remains very dangerous.”
“The priest was closing the doors of the church when he discovered one or more gunmen who were hiding somewhere. The criminals fired without hesitation, hitting him in the abdomen and head. Fr Kakule died immediately,” explained Bishop Kaboy.
The prelate added that three suspects have been arrested and are being subjected to questioning and that the body of Fr Kakule was transported to Goma. The Mass and the funeral will be celebrated on February 28.
“In our diocese there are many gangs that terrorize the population and there are too many weapons in circulation. Nuns are among the victims of violence and extortion, who are threatened with death if they do not pay a ransom of $4,000,”stated the Bishop.
Also in North Kivu, there has been no news of the three Assumptionist priests kidnapped in their parish of Notre-Dame des Pauvres in Mbau, 22 km from Beni since October 19, 2012.
