In a shocking and disturbing incident, Patrick Ngalamulume, a 36-year-old football referee, was brutally beaten and set ablaze by an enraged mob in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The gruesome attack, which occurred on the night of May 5-6, 2025, has sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Ngalamulume, also known as “Ngalas,” was accused of theft without any evidence, sparking the violent outburst.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, where the referee was mercilessly beaten and burned to death in front of a large crowd, with emergency services arriving too late to intervene.
The victim, a respected and professional referee with the Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK), had no prior history of crime or misconduct.
His brutal killing has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with community leaders, sports officials, and civil society members calling for immediate action.
“This kind of cruelty must not become normal,” urged a local leader, emphasizing the need for the government to deploy more police personnel and restore faith in the justice system.
Many are demanding an independent investigation, the arrest of those responsible, and urgent measures to reestablish law and order.
The incident highlights the growing trend of mob justice and vigilantism in eastern DR Congo, where the breakdown of trust in government and police has led to a culture of self-appointed justice, often with devastating consequences.
Ngalamulume’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and the restoration of order in the region.
