On Monday, September 30, authorities arrested 35 individuals in connection with the murder of the Radio Maria Goma coordinator. Among those detained were the alleged killers, as well as several hemp smokers and other drug users. The military also confiscated 20 bags of hemp, according to local reports.
The suspects were presented to the Mayor of Goma on the same day.
“Mr. Mayor, we present the results of the investigation conducted by the intelligence service of the 34th military region immediately following the murder of the Radio Maria journalist. Our forces have identified the perpetrators, including both the primary and accomplice, who now stand before you,” said Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, spokesman for the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) in North Kivu.
One of the suspects admitted to the press that he was paid $5 to carry out the journalist’s murder.
In his October 1 homily, Bishop Ngumbi called on the local authorities to shed more light on the case, urging the faithful not to harbor feelings of hatred.
“We must pray for the conversion of the murderers. We must not harbor feelings of hatred towards them. Hatred must never win our hearts. Nor any feeling of revenge,” the Burundian-born member of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) said.
He added, “We can only pray for their conversion, that they learn to be responsible men, committed to building a world of Peace, Justice and Brotherhood.”
In his eulogy during the Eucharistic celebration, the Editor-in-Chief of Radio Maria Goma, Fr. Adeodatus Muhigi said, “It's painful and unacceptable to lose a dynamic agent, concerned and full of initiatives for the development of our radio and the well-being of his colleagues and volunteers.”
“We call on the political and military authorities to take their responsibility seriously and ensure the safety of the population. Otherwise, we risk dying like animals being led to the slaughterhouse,” Fr. Muhigi added.
He continued, “For his dignity and the eternal rest we sincerely wish for him, we are doing our utmost to ensure that his name is not associated with any form of political exploitation.”
