Referee Burned Alive After Brutal Mob Attack in DR Congo

Image source: Africa Soccer

Referee Burned Alive After Brutal Mob Attack in DR Congo

Abigael Wafula 10:30 - 07.05.2025

The football referee was tragically beaten and burned alive in Congo, sparking outrage and calls for justice across the football world.

The world of football has been thrown into shock and mourning following the brutal killing of football referee Patrick Ngalamulume, alias ‘Ngalas.’

According to reports, a Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK) affiliate was attacked and killed in the Irambo neighbourhood overnight between May 5 and 6, 2025.

Ngalas was accused of theft, without sufficient evidence, before being brutally beaten and burned alive by angry locals.

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Eyewitnesses’ account of what transpired

Patrick Ngalamulume
Image source: Africa Soccer

According to the eyewitnesses, the attack happened before the residents of the area, but none were able to intervene in time.

They tried reaching out to relevant authorities for help, but their efforts bore no fruit as the response rate was too slow.

They arrived at the scene long after the attackers had murdered Ngalas. It all began as an unverified accusation that quickly transitioned into a deadly public attack that did not give the referee a chance to defend himself.

This is not the first time such has happened, since there have been cases of armed rebel groups, such as the AFC M23, that have left residents of the area with a lot of fear.

Who is Patrick Ngalamulume?

Who is Patrick Ngalamulume?
Image source: Africa Soccer

Patrick Ngalamulume was widely known for his influence in Congo’s sporting world, thanks to his professionalism and commitment to the game.

Up until his untimely demise, he had no criminal record, and his death has deeply shaken the football community.

Thousands have expressed their sorrow and disbelief and called for an independent investigation into the matter and the arrest of all those involved.

Ngalamulume’s murder is one of the many examples of how people taking matters into their own hands have led to the loss of innocent lives.

The state has struggled to maintain authority in many cases, not just in Congo, but in many countries, forcing people to make hasty decisions.

“The government must act. This level of barbarity cannot become a norm,” one local official said as quoted by Africa Soccer.

Bukavu City has long been known for insecurity and political neglect, and these continued killings cast dark shadows over the area, with the latest murder being a reminder of how the misuse of power has caused many losses.

His death has left a huge gap in the world of football and to those who knew him at a personal level. Perhaps, with the brutal murder of such an important figure in Congo, security matters will be taken seriously in Congo, specifically in Bukavu City.

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