Rebels handed over man arrested over Congo rapes

[October 06, 2010]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- The United Nations says the Congolese rebel commander arrested for allegedly leading fighters in the mass gang-rapes of more than 300 people was handed over to U.N. and Congolese troops by his comrades-in-arms.

U.N. regional chief Hiroute Guebre Sellassie says the Mai Mai group claimed Sadoke Kokunda Mayele had tarnished their name and wanted to get rid of him.

Mayele was an officer in the Congolese army before he joined the militia led by Commander Cheka.

A nurse who treated rape victims told the AP that one of Cheka's wives and other family members were among those assaulted.

Sellassie said Wednesday she hopes for more arrests in the attacks which lasted four days in an area within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of a U.N. peacekeepers' camp.

[Associated Press]

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