By Levin Odhiambo
The Prime Minister of Congo being frogmarched barefooted and in handcuffs by Belgian colonialists among them Frans Vershcheure.
Vershcheure was also part of the cortege that accompanied Premier Lumumba to the secret place of execution. When leaving the cars, the prisoners wore only pants and an undershirt and were barefoot.
Verscheure walked behind Lumumba, who asked him: ‘They are going to kill us, isn’t it?’ Verscheure confirmed it by stating that they were to be shot.
He then offered them some time, to prepare for death and pray. But Lumumba declined the offer. The excutioners were armed with Vigneron sten-guns.