Soldier opens fire on boat, killing 8 in eastern DR Congo

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - A soldier from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo shot at passengers of a motorized boat in South Kivu province Monday, killing eight people and wounding seven others, the army confirmed.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. (1200GMT) when the boat was set to head to the city of Baraka from the port of Kazimihiya on Lake Tanganyika, according to Lieutenant Marc Elongo, the army spokesman in the area.

“For unknown reasons, a soldier from Fizi's marine unit who was also onboard opened fire on a boat at the port of Kazimihiya. The victims, all civilians, included men, women and children,” Elongo told reporters.

“This uncivil manner cannot be accepted and he will be brought to justice.”

The army said the soldier had been apprehended and would be prosecuted.

Local media said the soldier was intoxicated.

He reportedly opened fire on civilian passengers in the boat following an altercation.

On Sunday, a drunken soldier killed eight people, including three soldiers, before being killed by his colleagues in the Bambu mines center, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.