A football referee was beaten and set on fire by an angry crowd in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in a shocking act of mob violence that has deeply upset people across the country.
Patrick Ngalamulume, also known as “Ngalas,” was attacked and killed in the Irambo area during the night between May 5 and 6, 2025.
The 36-year-old referee, who worked with the Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK), was accused of stealing, though no proof was given. Locals then beat him and burned him to death.
People who saw it happen said the attack took place in front of many residents, but no one could stop it in time.
Emergency workers did not arrive before the mob killed him. What started as a false claim turned into a deadly public killing. He was not given a chance to defend himself.
The murder shows how bad the security situation has become in eastern DR Congo. Armed rebel groups like AFC M23 and ongoing unrest have made many communities unsafe.
Cities such as Bukavu and Goma are facing more and more violent acts like this. With police and government services weakened, people are taking the law into their own hands.
Patrick Ngalamulume was well known in local football. He was respected for being professional and fair. He had no history of crime.
His brutal death has shocked the football world. Many of his friends, colleagues, and people in the area are heartbroken. The killing has made many people worried about the rise of mob justice.
After the attack, community leaders, sports officials, and members of civil society have spoken out strongly. They are asking the government to take action immediately.
Many are calling for an independent investigation, the arrest of those responsible, and urgent steps to bring back law and order.
“This kind of cruelty must not become normal,” said one local leader. He urged the government to send more police and help people trust the justice system again.
Many people have lost faith in government and police, so they turn to violent group punishments. But this often leads to innocent people being hurt or killed.
Patrick’s killing is just one more sign of how a lack of justice and growing fear are breaking down trust in parts of the country.
As the government struggles to stay in control, more and more people are taking justice into their own hands — often with terrible results.
This sad event has cast a heavy shadow over Bukavu, a city already tired from years of trouble and being ignored by leaders. The death of a man who served his community will not be forgotten. It shows clearly what happens when justice disappears and fear takes over.
Patrick Ngalamulume’s death is a big loss not only for football but for everyone who knew him.
His memory now stands as a call for justice, truth, and the urgent need to fix the broken system meant to protect all people.
