Kabila's killers on the run
2006-10-24 17:45
Kinshasa - A group of prisoners convicted for their involvement in the assassination of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Lauren Kabila escaped from jail in the capital, said prison officials on Tuesday.
Prison director Dido Kitunga said 11 inmates escaped, all members of the military guard of DRC's ex-leader Laurent Kabila who were convicted of playing a role in his assassination in 2002. Dozens were convicted in the crime.
Kitunga said they were discovered missing on Tuesday morning.
Attorney-General Tshimanga Mukenda confirmed that a group of prisoners escaped, but said he could not supply an exact number.
Mukenda said an investigation into how they escaped is in progress and declined to comment further.
Current DRC President Joseph Kabila took power after his father was shot and helped set up a transition government with the aim of transforming the restive, sprawling Central African nation into a democratic state.
A presidential run-off vote on Sunday will determine whether Joseph Kabila stays in power or hands over rule to challenger Jean-Pierre Bemba.
- SAPA