Sidebar

Exclusive Reports

18
Sat, May

Africa News
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

The body of a Catholic priest who went missing last week has been found mutilated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to local media.

Florent Mbulanthie was discovered on the banks of the Kasai River, near Ilebo, in the west of the country, Radio Okapi reported.

His colleague Father Gorges Menga told the radio station the priest's face was so damaged, he could not be recognised.

He added: "But when [the police] told me about the trouser, and clergymen shirt he wore, the sandals, the watch and rosary on his neck, I said it is him, bring him please."

The BBC reports that Father Florent, 46, was in charge of training priests, but was known for being outspoken within his community.

A community member who knew him, but refused to be named, told Actualite.cd [in French]: "He openly exhorted the people of Ilebo to take charge of the bad governance of the city."

A local teacher told the news site the body bore "signs of violence" and he had markings around his neck.

Radio Okapi, however, says cause of death is unknown.

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS