2024-02-18 07:08:44
The Hervé Bopda affair continues to make a lot of noise in Cameroon. Thursday February 15, the alleged sexual predator was referred to the Douala public prosecutor’s office, the latest episode in a turbulent legal series. A look back at this dark affair and the latest twists and turns in the investigation.
10 complaints but little material evidence
Reminder of the facts: at the beginning of 2024, Hervé Bopda was accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment by numerous alleged victims on social networks. The courts are seized, but struggle to substantiate these anonymous testimonies.
To date, only around ten complaints have been officially filed against the suspect. But material evidence is still lacking, limiting the possible charges. Hence the importance for putative victims to transmit any probative evidence to investigators.
Medical tests, weapons and messages: the gray areas
During the last referral to the Douala public prosecutor’s office, several gray areas remain. If Hervé Bopda did have negative HIV tests, a new screening at the Pasteur Center was required.
What also about the weapon found in his possession? Was it a lethal or protective weapon as the suspect claims? Another question is the content of deleted messages that should be restored.
A matter complicated by legal skills
On a legal level, the case has already changed jurisdiction several times. Sent to the Douala military court because of the weapon, he was then transferred to civil justice for charges of rape and sexual assault.
An imbroglio testifying to the complexity of this type of business in Cameroon. Especially since the question of legal competence to judge rape and sexual crimes sometimes raises controversy.
In short, a legal soap opera which is still far from having delivered its outcome. So to be continued…