Legal action moves forward in Baloum double homicide

The Superior Chief of Baloum and eight others have been charged with murder, torture, and complicity in crimes against two young men burned alive in the village earlier this month. The suspects were transferred to Dschang Central Prison following a Thursday court appearance.

Steve Diffo’s legal representative condemned the killings, stating, no human being, even one sentenced to death, deserves such a horrific fate. The lawyer emphasized the gravity of the charges, including murder, torture, and failure to produce identification documents.

Timeline of events leading to arrests

On June 5, two men in their 30s—Bostel Kemta and Steve Achille Diffo Sijamo—were abducted, tortured, and killed in Baloum. Authorities allege the crimes were carried out by local residents under the watch of Village Chief Charles Constant Pokam Noussi, who surrendered to authorities on June 17.

Two formal complaints were filed by the victims’ families. The first was submitted to the Penka-Miche gendarmerie brigade, whose jurisdiction covers Baloum. The second complaint went directly to the Republic Prosecutor, who expressed surprise over being unaware of such severe allegations.

What happens next?

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Legal proceedings will determine their fate under Cameroon’s justice system.