Wednesday May 7, 2025 |
A respected football referee, Patrick Ngalamulume, was lynched and burned to death by an angry mob in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after being falsely accused of theft, FirstNEWS reports.
Africa Soccer reported that the 36-year-old official, known popularly as “Ngalas,” was killed in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 May, in the Irambo neighbourhood, following a violent episode sparked by an unverified allegation.
Witnesses said the crowd, acting without any evidence, attacked Ngalamulume, beating him severely before setting him ablaze in public. Emergency services did not arrive in time to save him.
Patrick Ngalamulume was widely regarded within Bukavu’s football community for his fairness and dedication. He officiated under the Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK) and was well respected across local leagues.
His murder has shaken the city and renewed concern over deepening insecurity and lawlessness in eastern Congo, where weakened state institutions and armed groups like M23 have fuelled instability.
Amid growing distrust in police and the judicial system, incidents of mob justice have become disturbingly common.
Africa Soccer quoted a local official saying, “The government must act. This level of barbarity cannot become a norm,” calling for stronger law enforcement and judicial reforms.
Outrage has poured in from sports officials, civil society groups, and residents, all demanding a thorough investigation, arrests, and a crackdown on vigilante killings.
Ngalamulume’s death has devastated Bukavu’s footballing circles. More than a loss of life, many see it as a painful sign of the country’s deepening crisis of justice and governance.
