Thirty people were on Saturday sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) for their role in anti-police violence marking the end of Ramadan in the capital, Kinshasa.
A policeman was killed on Thursday as rival Muslim groups fought over the right to celebrate Eid al-Fitr festivities marking the end of Ramadan at a major sports stadium, officials said.
<strong>DEAD, INJURED</strong>
A summary of a Cabinet meeting on Saturday also referred to the death of an 81-year-old woman in hospital following the violence.
The government has also confirmed that one policewoman was in critical condition and 46 others were injured,
Kinshasa Police Chief Sylvano Kasongo summarised the deadly scene to the media. Unfortunately, there were extremists on both sides who did not want reconciliation and to pray together. They threw projectiles, they violently attacked the police. We mourn the death of a police officer today.
The official added that 40 people were hurt, 35 arrested and a police vehicle was burned outside the stadium amid the fighting that replaced the true spirit of the traditionally peaceful Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
Papy Okitankoyi Kimoto, a local Muslim who had come out for the spiritual celebration is appalled by the situation. It s a pity, we have done a month of Ramadan to come here to see these scenes of street guerrilla warfare like this. It s a shame.