2015-02-27 17:48:00

Priest killed in Congo DR


Agenzia Fides reports that the treasurer of the parish of Mweso, in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Father Jean-Paul Kakule Kyalembera, was killed in an apparent robbery on the evening of 25 February.

According to Bishop Théophile Kaboy Ruboneka of Goma Diocese, it would appear this was an act of banditry. "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," the Bishop said.

Bishop Kaboy adds that "three suspects have been arrested as investigations continue. The body of Fr. Kakule was transported to Goma. The funeral Mass will be held Saturday 28 February.

The Bishop of Goma stressed the fact that "In our diocese there are many gangs that terrorise the population and there are too many weapons in circulation. Nuns are among the victims of violence and extortion, as they are threatened with death if they do not pay a ransom of $ 4,000. The situation remains very dangerous,” concluded Bishop.

According to information given to Agenzia Fides, the parish priest of the same Church, escaped an attempt on his life in November, last year.

In North Kivu, there is still no news of the three Assumptionist priests kidnapped, in unclear circumstances, in their parish of Notre-Dame des Pauvres in Mbau, 22 km from Beni since 19 October  2012.

(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)

 








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