Kinshasa – A German woman of Congolese origin was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo for an attempted bank robbery in broad daylight.
A chaotic standoff ensued lasting several hours, before five people, including Porsche, were eventually arrested inside the building. No one was injured.
According to the bank, the equivalent of about $20,000 in cash disappeared and has never been recovered.
#RDC 🇨🇩 : le tribunal militaire de garnison de Kinshasa-Gombe a condamné l’Allemande Honorine Porsche Mukendi à 10 ans de prison pour vol à main armée et terrorisme.
Elle est également condamnée à verser 100 000 USD de dommages et intérêts à la Rawbank.
Tous ses co-accusés ont,… pic.twitter.com/c7f6zv0yU2
— Daniel Michombero /Batubenga (@michombero) November 26, 2025
During her trial, Porsche admitted to initially taking the money but claimed it was later stolen from her by members of the security forces who raided the bank.
Following her arrest, the German woman appeared partially undressed in videos posted on social media, with members of the security forces seen groping and sexually abusing her.
The images sparked outrage in the DRC, a country where the police are notorious for their brutality.
Porsche refused to speak in court on Wednesday, telling AFP as she left the building that she did not have “the strength to speak”.
Keno Grade, Germany’s consul in Kinshasa, who was present in court, declined to comment.
Porsche’s lawyer indicated that she intends to appeal.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@michombero
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Source: AFP
