Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo have raided the home in the capital, Kinshasa, of self-styled spiritual leader, Ne Mwanda Nsemi, who is blamed for inciting violence in the Kongo Central region where his sect is popular.
According to Ceoafrica, Mr Mwanda Nsemi, who is also a Member of Parliament, is the founder of the Bundu Dia Mayala political party, which had its origins in his banned separatist sect that wanted to revive the pre-colonial Kongo kingdom.
It was learnt that during the raid, clash occurred between police and supporters which led to casualties.
Police spokesman, Col Pierrot Mwanamputu Empung, told journalists that, ‘Police operations are under way at the residence of Hon Mwanda Nsemi to free men and women taken hostage in order to serve as human shields to prevent any search from being carried out".
Police have laid siege to the lawmaker's home in the Ngaliema suburb of Kinshasa since 13th of February, in which hundreds of his supporters are speculated to be keeping vigil to prevent his arrest.
Mr Mwanda Nsemi's supporters say they do not have access to food, water or electricity because of the police blockade.
