On fleeing after punishment: “I’m not hiding, let them come and get me” – Paul Mukendhi

Pastor Paul Mukendi, who claims his innocence, taunts Quebec authorities who believe they cannot reach him in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he allegedly fled a year ago.

• Read more: One year flight to Pastor Mukendhi

• Read more: Tax authorities are demanding $31,000 from Pastor Mukendi’s wife

“They made me an outcast. Today I am a free man!” chanted the fugitive in a video posted on social media to mark the first anniversary of his “victory” last Friday.

A year ago, Paul Mukenti fled the country while serving an eight-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting, and on several occasions, a former believer who was a minor at the time of the events.

Always on the run ever since, the self-described “Apostle of Quebec” doesn’t hesitate to compare his journey to that of Jesus and scoff at the accusations leveled against him.

“See me hitting a girl? Obviously! When you see his face, it might even get on your nerves. You tell yourself it’s not possible unless I’m black,” he launched into his last capsule, taunting his victim.

Unattainable

However, Paul Mugendi could not be reached for now, despite his whereabouts being revealed and the Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ) saying an investigation to locate him is still ongoing.

“Unlike many countries, Canada does not have an extradition treaty with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose justice system is often questionable,” explains former SPVQ investigator Roger Ferland.

“Our powers as peace officers have no jurisdiction in this country, and we cannot go and get it ourselves,” he continues.

Well aware of his position, the fugitive has taunted Canadian authorities to come and arrest him on Friday.

“I’m fine here in Kinshasa. […] I’m not hiding. If they have the courage, let them bring me,” challenged the fallen priest.

Case law

For Roger Ferland, Paul Mukendi’s re-accusation of sexually assaulting a second victim months after his escape had a major impact on the Quebec judicial system.

“Unfortunately, this case shows that the meshes of the net are too wide in Quebec. That means there are many fish that can escape,” he says.

“But he created a kind of judiciary. His absconding gave the government the gas to keep demanding pending trial of the accused,” concludes the former investigator.

A never ending story

• October 3, 2017 | Paul Mukendhi is arrested by the SPVQ and faces multiple sexual charges.
• June 30, 2019 | Paul Mukendhi was found guilty of nine charges including sexual assault, physical assault and threats to kill. The victim was 14 years old at the beginning of the 12-year offending period.
• December 17, 2019 | Revenu Québec filed eight tax evasion cases against Paul Mukendi and the Evangelical Center.
• February 27, 2020 | Paul Mukendhi was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual assault.
• March 3, 2020 | Court of Appeal acquits Paul Mukendhi pending appeal.
• July 29, 2020 | The High Court has indicated that Paul Mukendhi should be tried again for the allegations of sexual assault against two others.
• June 11, 2021 | Supreme Court gives its verdict on Pal Mukendhi’s bankruptcy. His unsecured debts totaled $432,597.63, including tax debts of $391,897.97.
• August 16, 2021 | Court of Appeal upholds Paul Mukendi’s guilty verdict. He has till 3 pm on August 20 to surrender to the jail authorities and begin his sentence.
• August 18, 2021 | Pal Mukendi fled. He would later be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where he could not be extradited.
• December 10, 2021 | Paul Mukendhi, in his absence, was sentenced to an additional two years in prison for another sexual assault.
• August 18, 2022 | It’s been a year since Paul Mugendi escaped Quebec justice. The next day, he celebrates his “successful” year by mocking the authorities on social networks.