Criminal attack: Police post reinstalled near a Catholic parish in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, May 3^rd, 2026 (CPA).-  A police post was reinstalled on Saturday near Saint Théophile Parish, located in Kimbanseke, an eastern commune of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a criminal attack that occurred on Friday in the Catholic church, according to an official statement. “The Provincial Commissioner of the National Police of Congo (PNC) in Kinshasa has decided, on Saturday May 2, to reinstall a police post near Saint Théophile Parish in Kimbanseke, recently desecrated by unidentified armed men,” read the statement from the Provincial Commissariat of the PNC in Kinshasa. According to the document, Commissioner Divisionnaire Israël Kantu justified the decision as part of efforts to ensure the safety of residents and their property in this part of the city. He called on the population to trust the police, the statement added, noting that the post, located near the Tsanga River, had previously been looted after an incident involving a suspected “Kuluna” gang member who was arrested and later drowned while attempting to escape. The document stated that the incident had triggered anger among residents, who attacked police officers after the suspect fled. According to the same source, the police chief called for close cooperation with the population, particularly through the reporting of any suspicious individuals. His visit followed recent events at Saint Théophile Parish, where armed individuals desecrated the church, stole valuables, and seriously injured the parish priest, who is currently receiving intensive care, the statement noted. The arrival of the Kinshasa police chief reportedly brought relief to the population, which urged stronger security measures to neutralize criminals operating in the area.  ACP/