Judicial Police Officer Sentenced to Death for Murder

February 10, 2026 - The Goma Garrison Military Court, sitting in Walikale, North Kivu, sentenced Sergeant Maleso Buka Pierre, a judicial police officer assigned to the Mubi Judicial Inspectorate, to death on Monday, February 9, after being found guilty of murder. The incident occurred early on Saturday, January 31, in Mubi Centre, Walikale territory. Two judicial police officers were executing an arrest warrant for Kambale Muhindo Jean, a suspected member of an armed group accused of illegal possession of weapons. According to the investigation, when the suspect attempted to evade arrest, Sergeant Maleso Buka Pierre fired his weapon without orders, fatally shooting the victim. The military court not only sentenced him to death but also ordered payment of USD 10,000 in damages (equivalent in Congolese francs) to the victim’s family. The prosecution described the verdict as “educational,” emphasizing that it sends a strong message against abuses by law enforcement officers. Major Dieudonné Kasereka, head of communications for the 34th Military Region, highlighted that the ruling reinforces the obligation for security forces to respect rules of engagement and human rights, even during law enforcement operations.

Faits rapportés

February 10, 2026 - The Goma Garrison Military Court, sitting in Walikale, North Kivu, sentenced Sergeant Maleso Buka Pierre, a judicial police officer assigned to the Mubi Judicial Inspectorate, to death on Monday, February 9, after being found guilty of murder. The incident occurred early on Saturday, January 31, in Mubi Centre, Walikale territory. Two judicial police officers were executing an arrest warrant for Kambale Muhindo Jean, a suspected member of an armed group accused of illegal possession of weapons. According to the investigation, when the suspect attempted to evade arrest, Sergeant Maleso Buka Pierre fired his weapon without orders, fatally shooting the victim. The military court not only sentenced him to death but also ordered payment of USD 10,000 in damages (equivalent in Congolese francs) to the victim’s family. The prosecution described the verdict as “educational,” emphasizing that it sends a strong message against abuses by law enforcement officers. Major Dieudonné Kasereka, head of communications for the 34th Military Region, highlighted that the ruling reinforces the obligation for security forces to respect rules of engagement and human rights, even during law enforcement operations.