# Kinshasa police crackdown on Kuluna gang

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kinshasa-police-crackdown-on-kuluna-gang
> Updated: 2026-07-29T14:22:53.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, the Kinshasa police chief announced a policy shift by banning the use of civilian informants, signaling a move toward stricter, state‑controlled law‑enforcement methods.

Later that month, the police carried out a two‑day operation in the Gombe commune, detaining 578 suspected members of the Kuluna urban bandit group. The raid targeted streets around key locations such as the French embassy and the Rotana Hotel, and the arrests included men, women, and minors. Police Commissioner Divisionnaire Israël Kantu framed the sweep as part of a broader campaign to restore state authority and curb the wave of urban crime that has afflicted the capital for months, with plans to extend similar patrols to other communes.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Kinshasa Police Arrest 578 Suspected Kuluna Gang Members in Gombe

Kinshasa police detained 578 suspected Kuluna gang members in Gombe on July 29‑30, including men, women and minors, and pledged to expand patrols city‑wide.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kinshasa-police-arrest-578-suspected-kuluna-gang-members-in-gombe

### 2026-07-11: Kinshasa Police Chief Bans Use of Civilian Informants

Kinshasa’s police chief has permanently prohibited using civilian “Kuluna” informants, citing image damage and abuse risks, and urged stricter officer discipline.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kinshasa-police-chief-bans-use-of-civilian-informants

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Cite as: Kinshasa police crackdown on Kuluna gang. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kinshasa-police-crackdown-on-kuluna-gang