Katumbi has denied accusations made by the justice minister last week that he hired mercenaries including US soldiers.
Moise
Katumbi, the multi-millionaire former governor and prominent opposition
leader, attends a funeral mass in honor of legendary Congolese singer
Papa Wemba, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 4, 2016.
A leading opposition candidate for president of Democratic Republic of Congo
was questioned on Monday over government allegations of hiring
mercenaries, a case that could halt his fledgling campaign in its
tracks.
Moise Katumbi arrived at
the prosecutor general's office in the second city Lubumbashi, dressed
in a white suit and surrounded by supporters who chanted "President! Today is the day".
At least four people were arrested as hundreds of police tried to contain the crowds.
Katumbi has denied accusations made by the justice minister last week that he hired mercenaries including U.S. soldiers.
The
enquiry could lead to charges that carry a prison term and could also
tie Katumbi in legal knots that could derail his campaign to succeed
President Joseph Kabila at elections scheduled November.
Many
Congolese people say Katumbi is the strongest opposition candidate to
succeed Kabila, given his personal wealth and popularity as the former
governor of Congo's main copper-producing region. He also owns a soccer
team.
Kabila is barred by the constitution from
seeking a third term but has yet to announce his intentions. His ruling
party has not named another candidate and the opposition says Kabila
wants to delay the election to retain power.
Katumbi
arrived at the prosecutor's office at about 10.15 a.m. local time (0815
GMT), accompanied by leaders of an opposition coalition that has backed
his presidential bid, a Reuters witness said.
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