Kinshasa: Soldiers who publicly stripped a woman arrested

The incident followed an armed robbery on October 16, 2025, at a branch of Rawbank in the Congolese capital. Security forces responding to the scene reportedly faced difficulties entering the bank as they engaged in a firefight with the robbers, who had taken several hostages, including bank staff and customers.

Footage later emerged showing soldiers escorting a woman, beating and stripping her naked before forcing her into a military vehicle. It was subsequently revealed that the woman was Honorine Porche Masamba, whom the soldiers accused of being one of the robbers involved in the attack.

Minister Shabani confirmed that the soldiers belonged to the 14th Military Region, which covers Kinshasa.

“They have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Their battalion commander has been suspended,” he said.

Reports have since surfaced suggesting that the woman may have been sexually assaulted while being transported to the place of detention. Human rights advocates and members of the public have called on authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the full truth and ensure accountability.