German Woman Detained and Assaulted After Kinshasa Bank Robbery Attempt

A German woman, Honorine Porsche, was detained and reportedly assaulted by Congolese security forces after an attempted bank robbery in Kinshasa. Videos showed her being roughly handled, prompting condemnation from the German embassy, which urged respect for human rights. President Felix Tshisekedi and family minister Leonnie Kandolo Omoyi called for accountability, while Congolese authorities pledged to investigate the alleged mistreatment.

A German woman was detained and reportedly assaulted by security forces following an attempted bank robbery in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the German embassy announced on Monday. The incident has drawn international attention, raising concerns about human rights and the treatment of suspects during arrests.

The attempted robbery occurred on Friday in broad daylight at a branch of Rawbank in Kinshasa, the capital city. According to witnesses, the robbers attempted to execute the heist as bystanders observed the unfolding events. Police quickly responded, surrounding the building and ultimately apprehending the suspects. A crowd of onlookers gathered outside the bank, witnessing the arrest process and the unfolding chaos.

Among those arrested was DRC-born German national Honorine Porsche. Videos that have circulated on social media and in news reports show Porsche partially clothed and being roughly handled by security personnel, sparking outrage and concern over the methods used by authorities during the arrest.

The German embassy released a statement confirming that Porsche is a German citizen. However, the embassy did not provide additional information about her current condition or the circumstances of her detention, citing the need to ensure her protection. It remains uncertain whether Porsche also retains Congolese nationality, as neither the embassy nor local authorities in Kinshasa could confirm this detail.

The situation prompted a response from President Felix Tshisekedi, who on Friday demanded "sanctions and prosecutions against the officers responsible for mistreatment of individuals arrested, such as Mrs. Honorine Porsche," according to a statement read following a cabinet meeting and broadcast on state television. Tshisekedi’s statement highlighted the government’s recognition of the alleged abuse and the need to hold security personnel accountable for their actions.

Minister for the Family, Leonnie Kandolo Omoyi, also weighed in on the matter, condemning the treatment Porsche endured. Omoyi described her arrest as involving "acts of public humiliation," underscoring concerns about how law enforcement officers handle detainees and the broader implications for human dignity and civil rights.

In response to the incident, the German embassy urged Congolese security forces to respect human rights and adhere to international standards during law enforcement operations. The embassy strongly condemned the alleged violations and emphasized the importance of treating suspects in accordance with international norms. Additionally, the embassy welcomed statements by Congolese authorities affirming their intention to initiate criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators of these acts, signaling a commitment to accountability and justice.

The case has sparked discussions both domestically and internationally about the conduct of security forces, the treatment of foreign nationals in criminal cases, and the need for greater oversight to prevent abuses. As investigations continue, the situation remains under close observation by both German and Congolese authorities, with human rights organizations also monitoring developments closely.