SA grants political asylum to controversial pastor

Congolese pastor Joseph Mukungubila Mutombo, wanted in his homeland for alleged involvement in violence more than three years ago, has obtained asylum in South Africa, his spokesperson said yesterday.

“He has obtained political asylum following a March 30 decision to that effect,” Charlie Mingiedi said.

“It is a relief. He can now once again involve himself in political life,” Mingiedi said of the controversial Mukungubila, who claims to be a prophet.

South African officials, who had previously rejected the pastor’s asylum requests, made no immediate comment on the approval.

Kinshasa wants to question Mukungubila, who has described himself as God’s “last envoy to humanity”, over violence which left more than 100 dead.

The Congolese government blamed him for orchestrating a spate of attacks in December 2013 on the airport, the main army headquarters in the capital and in the second city of Lubumbashi.

He fled to South Africa, where he was arrested in May 2014 on an Interpol warrant issued at Kinshasa’s behest at his house in Johannesburg before being released on bail.

At the time, his lawyer said he stood accused of murder, intentional and aggravated assault, malicious destruction, as well as illegal and arbitrary detention.

There is no return to DRC but he will continue to mobilise the Congolese people against the dictatorship ruling the country.

South African authorities eventually dropped the case, citing a lack of evidence.

Mukungubila, who denies the allegations against him, stood against President Joseph Kabila, whose regime he has bitterly criticised, in the 2006 elections.

According to Mingiedi, the pastor will not return home but keep up the pressure on Kabila from abroad.

“There is no return to DRC but he will continue to mobilise the Congolese people against the dictatorship ruling the country,” his spokesperson said. – AFP