DR Congo: 3 militiamen 'killed in gunfire' with police

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Three Mai Mai militiamen were killed in a gunfire with the police, after the group attacked a police post in eastern North Kivu province late Monday, according to a police source Tuesday.

The militia attacked the police post in Mangina village, a few kilometers from Beni city in order to rescue several members of the group who were arrested earlier on Monday, a senior officer at North Kivu Criminal Investigations Department, Paul Kadio said.

"The clashes between the police and the militiamen took place after a group of militiamen tried to rescue their arrested comrades. After exchanging gunfire for about 30 minutes, three militiamen were killed and three others captured," Kadio said.

He added that one policeman was injured in the gunfight, and was hospitalized.

The militiamen were arrested on charges of recruiting young men in the area into their force, according to Kadio. The militiamen allegedly tattooed the new recruits.

A resident of Mangina village, Tom Wambo said that some young men were being tricked into joining the Mai Mai after being promised money by the militia.

"There are some people convincing young men to join the militia so that they can use them for personal gain," Wambo said.

There are several militia groups in eastern DRC which are formed by warlords that have been accused of looting property and controlling some gold mines.