Congolese boxer Romeo Katompa has died in Johannesburg after reportedly being burned alive in an attack that diaspora groups are describing as xenophobic.
Katompa, known widely by his nickname “Bololo,” died overnight between 16 and 17 July, according to members of the Congolese community in South Africa who first reported the incident on social media.
The exact circumstances of his death have not been officially confirmed. South African police have not yet released a statement on the case, and the information currently available comes from Congolese diaspora members and Francophone outlets covering the community.
Within boxing circles, Congolese boxer Romeo Katompa was known as a former sparring partner of Junior Makabu, the Congolese former WBC world champion. Several tributes from figures within the Congolese boxing fraternity have circulated since news of his death broke.
Katompa had lived in South Africa for several years and had built a life there. He was married to a South African woman and reportedly had one child. Community members describe him as a respected and well-liked figure within the Congolese diaspora in Johannesburg.
News of the death of Congolese boxer Romeo Katompa has triggered grief and outrage among Congolese nationals both in South Africa and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Diaspora groups are calling for a full investigation and for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
The killing comes against the backdrop of a sustained wave of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, which diaspora and rights groups say has intensified since earlier this year. Congolese community sources have pointed to a climate of fear, with some nationals reportedly seeking voluntary repatriation to Kinshasa in recent weeks.
Diaspora voices are now renewing calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between Kinshasa and Pretoria to protect foreign nationals living in South Africa. Several commentators online have questioned how long African migrants will continue to bear the cost of xenophobic violence within the continent.
The death of Congolese boxer Romeo Katompa has not yet drawn a formal response from South African authorities. AfricanQuarters will update this report as official confirmation becomes available.
