Outrage and Mourning Sweep Through Congo After Referee’s Death
In a shocking incident, the Democratic Republic of Congo is reeling from the tragic killing of football referee Patrick Ngalamulume. The 36-year-old, known locally as “Ngalas,” was brutally lynched and set ablaze by a mob in Bukavu’s conflict-stricken east. The crowd accused him of theft, yet these allegations remain unverified, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
Eyewitnesses recount the horrifying scene that unfolded between 5 and 6 May 2025. Despite the attack occurring in public, there was no intervention from police or emergency services. “It was terrifying, difficult to comprehend the level of rage,” a local witness shared, preferring anonymity for fear of reprisal. Ngalamulume, known for his integrity on the field, had no criminal past, compounding the community’s anguish.
The local football community is in mourning, grappling with the loss of a respected figure. “Ngalas stood for fairness,” remarked an EUFBUK official. “His denial of justice is profoundly unjust.” The Football Association swiftly condemned the act, urging authorities to pursue those responsible and restore legal trust.
The tragedy underscores the volatile security landscape in eastern Congo, where state control is eroded by armed rebel groups. “Government action is imperative,” stressed a Bukavu local leader, citing rising vigilantism as a dangerous consequence of a faltering justice system. Recent months have seen an alarming increase in mob justice incidents in Bukavu and nearby Goma, reflecting the systemic void.
Calls for an independent investigation and urgent reforms are growing, with civil society groups demanding accountability and protection under the law. Patrick Ngalamulume’s untimely death is a stark reminder of the critical need for justice and reform amidst chaos.
Source: MyJoyOnline