KINSHASA: High Military Court Chief Killed in Plane Crash in Congo after a light aircraft carrying a delegation of military justice officials crashed near Kenge in Kwango province, killing 17 people, including two senior military justice officials, according to the country’s Transport Ministry.
The aircraft crashed at around 1300 GMT on Friday, approximately 200 kilometres east of the capital, Kinshasa. It was reportedly returning from a service mission to Kikwit in neighbouring Kwilu province when the accident occurred.
High Military Court Chief Killed in Plane Crash in Congo
The Transport Ministry said 13 passengers and four crew members died in the crash.
The aircraft was identified as a Let 410 UVP light plane operated by Tracep Congo Aviation. It was carrying a delegation of military justice officials when it crashed near Kenge.
Among those killed were Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo, the first president of the High Military Court, and Lieutenant General Lucien-Rene Likulia, the armed forces’ auditor general.
High Military Court Chief Killed Alongside Senior Military Official
Lieutenant General Likulia had been involved in the prosecution of former president Joseph Kabila, who was tried in absentia by the High Military Court in 2025.
In August 2025, Likulia requested the death penalty for Kabila over charges including war crimes, treason and organising an insurrection. Kabila was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia in September 2025.
Also Read: LibyaPlane Crash in Libya Causes Death to Prominent Figure
The deaths of the two senior officials come as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the aircraft accident.
Investigation Ordered Into Plane Crash
President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered an investigation into the crash. Authorities have not yet established the cause of the accident.
Officials are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight and the aircraft’s final moments as part of the investigation.
The crash claimed the lives of 17 people, including two senior figures in the country’s military justice system, according to the Transport Ministry.
