DRC Justice Minister Tests Positive for Poisoning – JURIST

Democratic Republic of Congo Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has been poisoned, a statement from the Ministry of State said on Saturday.

The minister underwent medical tests that morning after the scientific police suspected that there had been exposure to poison in his office. During their investigation police discover a white powder on office furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, computers, fans and documents. They also discovered a strange liquid poured into the refrigerator and a sharp-smelling gas emitted from a clear substance in the office toilet. Several other people who had been in the office tested positive for poisoning.

A statement from the minister’s office confirmed that arrangements are being made for his medical treatment and recovery.

Jean-Claude Katende, President of the African Association for the Defence of Human Rights, condemned the assassination attempt, calling it an attempt to thwart judicial reforms that Mutamba has been trying to implement. Katende urged the Congolese people to support these reforms, which aim to dismantle mafia networks that have influenced the country’s judicial, political and economic systems.

Mutamba was appointed Minister of Justice on 29 May, along with 53 other ministers, six months after President Tshisekedi was inaugurated. Despite losing both the presidential race and the bid for a position in the National Assembly as a member of the National Bureau for the opposition, Mutamba attempted to join the government.

Since taking office, Mutamba has made significant changes to the DRC’s legal system. For example, he has issued 527 prisoners from Makala Central Prison to relieve overcrowding and provide mattresses to improve prison conditions. He also plans to establish an independent prosecution service and an anti-corruption court to tackle embezzlement of public funds that DRC is struggling with, as well as a prison for those convicted of economic crimes.