Maheshe, the local head of UN-backed Radio Okapi in the town of Bukavu was shot by two unidentified armed men in plainclothes in the street at around 9pm local time. According to reports, Maheshe was coming from the home of a friend he had been visiting when he was attacked. He was with two other friends who were not injured. Radio Okapi sources said they have no information on the reason for the murder.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the action; Director of the IFJ Africa Office, Gabriel Baglo, saying, “We are deeply disturbed by the killing of Serge Maheshe and the continuing danger journalists face in DRC.
“We send our condolences to Serge's family and we affirm our solidarity with his Radio Okapi colleagues as they continue their work despite the difficult environment.”
The IFJ also called on the government to conduct a full and impartial investigation into Maheshe's death.
Serge Maheshe is the first staff member of Radio Okapi killed since the radio station was set up in 2002 and the third journalist killed in DRC in two years.
On 3 November 2005, Franck Kangundu and his wife were killed just as they entered their home. Bapuwa Muamba was shot on 8 July 2006 by unidentified gunmen who broke into his home. In both of these cases suspects have been sentenced or are on trial but local sources say the real perpetrators are still on the loose.
The IFJ calls on the government to reopen both of these investigations so those who are truly responsible are brought to justice.
Published courtesy of IFJ
