Journalists Killed in 2009 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bruno Koko Chirambiza
| Publisher | Committee to Protect Journalists |
| Publication Date | January 2010 |
| Cite as | Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2009 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bruno Koko Chirambiza, January 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e64967b19.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Radio Star
August 23, 2009, in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Eight assailants in civilian clothing attacked Chirambiza, 24, and a friend while they were walking home from a wedding celebration, according to the local press freedom group Journaliste en Danger (JED). Stabbed in the chest, the journalist died around 1:30 a.m. after being taken to a local hospital. A presenter of the Swahili newscast and a host of cultural programs covering music and youth issues, he had not reported any threats, according to Radio Star News Director Jimmy Bianga.
Speaking to Radio France Internationale (RFI) from the capital, Kinshasa, Congolese Communications Minister Lambert Mende declared that Chirambiza's murder was a result of "banditry taking place in this city since the war began." The assailants, however, did not steal any of the journalist's personal belongings, which included a mobile phone and 5,600 Congolese francs (US$7), according to Bianga.
In the same interview with RFI, Mende said the government immediately ordered police and the state prosecutor to launch an investigation. Local journalists and JED noted that Chirambiza was buried within hours of his death, without an autopsy. No murder weapon was found.
One person suspected of involvement in the attack was lynched by a local mob a few days after the murder, but no arrests were made, according to local journalists.
