A trial has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo involving 27 individuals accused of participating in the kidnapping of taxi passengers in the capital city of Kinshasa.
The accused include four police officers, six young women who allegedly acted as bait for the victims, and 17 others. The victims were subjected to various ordeals, with some being robbed and released, while others were held against their will for several days until a ransom was paid.
Kinshasa, Africa’s third-largest metropolitan city after Cairo and Lagos, has over 30,000 registered taxis. However, due to the prevalence of these kidnappings, residents often feel fearful when using taxis.
The trial is of particular significance as the authorities are preparing for the upcoming Francophone Games, a major competition that showcases sports and arts from French-speaking countries worldwide.
With the games scheduled to commence on July 28, ensuring public safety and addressing the issue of taxi kidnappings is a top concern for the authorities.