Pretoria-Based Congolese Businessman Killed in Kinshasa

Congolese businessman based in South Africa has been killed in Kinshasa, authorities said, with several suspects arrested and a main suspect still on the run.

Amisi Issa Vally was killed during the night of April 9 to 10 in his apartment at the La Renaissance building in the Gombe commune, the Justice Ministry said in a statement dated April 13.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation, with authorities moving quickly to identify those responsible.

“The public prosecutor immediately took up the case… to bring to justice the perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices,” the ministry said.

Several suspects have been detained, while the principal suspect is being actively sought.

The government described the killing as potentially qualifying as assassination and pledged a firm response.

“The facts call for an exemplary judicial response without weakness,” the statement said.

The killing in Gombe, a district that hosts government offices and diplomatic missions, is likely to raise renewed concerns over security in Kinshasa’s most protected areas.

“The government reaffirms its determination to combat criminality… and guarantee the safety of persons and their property,” the ministry added.