Deceased referee Patrick Ngalamulume ( in red attire)
A Democratic Republic of Congo referee, Patrick Ngalamulume, has been lynched by some aggrieved football fans over theft allegations.
According to a report by africasoccer.com, the Bukavu football senior referee was facing theft allegations by the fans without proper justification to back their claims on May 5 and 6, 2025.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the referee was subjected to mob violence through severe beatings, which occurred in broad daylight.
Onlookers could not intervene due to the intense nature of the situation.
Ngalamulume, who was unable to escape the scene, was set on fire by the irate crowd and burnt alive in a horrific manner that has sparked backlash from football officials on the African continent.
It was reported that emergency workers could not arrive at the scene on time when the murder took place.
This incident has cast a dark image on the insecurity issues pertaining to African football and the broader crisis in Eastern DR Congo, where unrest has deteriorated and militant groups like M23 are spreading.
Reports suggest the deceased referee had a clean criminal record and was well-liked for his honesty and dedication to the sport.
Sports officials, civic leaders, and citizens have condemned the brutality and are demanding justice and immediate changes.
Security officials are said to have launched an investigation into the incident and will deal with the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
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