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South Africa gives asylum to Congolese pastor: Lawyer

Monday, 17 April 2017 3:10 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 17 April 2017 3:57 PM ]

Congolese pastor Joseph Mukungubila Mutombo (File photo)

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 lawyer says.

"He has obtained political asylum following a March 30 decision" to that effect, Charlie Mingiedi said on Monday.

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

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

Kinshasa wants to question Mukungubila, who has described himself as God's "last envoy to humanity" over the late 2013 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 the suburbs of 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.

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

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

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

"There is no return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo) DRC but he will continue to mobilize the Congolese people against the dictatorship ruling the country," Mingiedi said.

(Source: AFP)

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