A Congolese court has handed a suspended prison sentence to Dr. David Balanganayi, who was filmed repeatedly assaulting a woman shortly after childbirth at a government hospital.
Balanganayi was seen in a viral video repeatedly striking a patient inside a delivery room at Kinkole General Hospital in Kinshasa, sparking outrage nationwide.
Following his arrest on the orders of the country’s health authorities, he was arraigned before a court on charges including assault and related offences.
However, credible international media reports indicate that the court imposed a two-month suspended sentence, meaning he would not serve jail time unless he commits another offence.
The case also triggered calls from authorities and the public for strict disciplinary action, including the revocation of his medical licence, with the health minister insisting he should no longer practise.
The incident, which occurred in late March, drew condemnation from rights groups and reignited concerns over patient safety and abuse in medical facilities across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The doctor claimed that he resorted to force to save the patient’s life, as she was resisting his attempt to suture her.
In the video, he is seen commanding the lady to return to the operating table while repeatedly hitting her.
Rights activists condemned the doctor’s explanation, stressing that nothing justified the violence against the woman, who was clearly vulnerable.
The victim was later transferred to another hospital for proper care, as pressure mounted on authorities to ensure justice and accountability.
