Democratic Republic of Congo arrests group over child rape

Authorities in the DR Congo have arrested 75 suspected militiamen for murder and rape in the province of South Kivu. 

They are accused of targeting  young girls, reportedly associating them with supernatural protection.  

Those detained include the group's alleged leader, Frederic Batumike, who is a provincial deputy. 

Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba said Mr Batumike and 74 of his fighters were arrested  for repeated rapes of about 30 young girls near the village of Kavumu. 

Mr Thambwe said the militia that works for him recruited a fetish priest who advises the militiamen to rape young girls to be assured of having supernatural protection.


BBC