A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 25 soldiers to death after they were convicted of abandoning their posts and committing theft, among other charges.
The soldiers deserted their duty posts in Keseghe and Matembe villages in North Kivu province during an invasion by M23 rebels.
Army spokesman Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji reported, “The runaways were found stealing goods from shops in the nearby village of Alimbongo.”
“They were detained along with four of their wives, who were staying in the village and who received the looted goods,” Kalonji added.
A military tribunal convened in Alimbongo on Wednesday to try the accused soldiers.
The presiding judge sentenced the 25 soldiers to death for theft, fleeing the enemy, and violating orders, among other charges.
One soldier received a 10-year prison sentence, while the four wives and another soldier were acquitted.
All the convicted soldiers denied the charges, except for one who pleaded guilty.
Their lawyer, Jules Muvweko, announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Mimi Mefo Info – DRC Court
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