DR Congo Referee Burned Alive by Mob After False Theft Accusation
CONGO– A football referee was lynched and burned alive by an enraged mob in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after being falsely accused of theft, sparking national outrage and demands for justice.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of May 5, 2025, extending into the early hours of May 6, 2025, in the Irambo neighborhood, as bystanders watched helplessly, unable to intervene.
Patrick Ngalamulume, (36) a respected official under the Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK), was beaten and set on fire after locals accused him of theft without evidence.
Emergency services failed to reach the scene in time, allowing the mob to carry out the attack unchecked.
The incident highlights the rise of mob justice in eastern DR Congo, where communities face growing insecurity due to weakened law enforcement and the presence of armed rebel groups such as AFC M23.
The lack of institutional protection has led to an alarming surge in extrajudicial violence, leaving residents vulnerable to public executions without legal due process.
Human rights organizations and sports officials have condemned the attack, warning of the increasing dangers faced by civilians in conflict-affected regions.
Pulse.com.gh reported that local authorities have yet to make arrests or announce preventive measures following the incident.
The football community, devastated by Ngalamulume’s killing, is calling for urgent government intervention to curb vigilantism and strengthen law enforcement.
As pressure mounts, activists demand immediate action to prevent further acts of mob violence.
