Journalist shot dead in eastern DR Congo

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A journalist for state media in the Democratic Republic of Congo was shot dead Friday in Goma in the vast country's restive east, officials said.

Robert Chamwami Shalubuto's body was found in a grocery store close to his home after having been shot in the chest, said Celestin Sibomana, spokesman for North Kivu province, of which Goma is the capital.

The deputy governor of the province, Feller Lutaichirwa, also confirmed the killing of the journalist for Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC), labelling it an "assassination."

"Investigations have been initiated," he said.

Another journalist from RTNC, Philemon Gira, was shot in October. He survived the attack but his left leg had to be amputated.

"For some time, journalists have become people to kill in the city," said Sibomana. "We believe that a front has been opened against journalists."

Around 10 journalists have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the last 16 years, with most having worked in North and South Kivu provinces, according to local NGO Journalist In Danger.

Both local and foreign armed groups have terrorised residents in the two provinces for some two decades.