Police Commander Lynched by Angry Youths in Ilebo, Kasai Province

Ilebo, DRC - January 1, 2026 A police commander was brutally killed by angry youths at the Lumbundi camp in the Ilebo territory of Kasai province on Thursday, January 1. The victim, Commander Djuma of the Mapangu police station, was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of assaulting a woman in police custody, according to local sources. Eyewitnesses say the incident began when a woman was arrested and allegedly assaulted by Commander Djuma. In response, a group of youths from the Lumbundi camp intervened, violently attacking the commander. Following the lynching, the Mapangu police station, with support from the Masongo police station, rushed to the scene to investigate and attempt to restore calm. However, residents of the camp fled into the surrounding bush, fearing reprisals. Authorities have confirmed that Commander Djuma’s body has been buried in the center of Mapangu. One young man implicated in the attack has already been detained by police. In the wake of the tragedy, François Malepo, coordinator of the New Civil Society of the Ilebo territory, called on judicial authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He urged that all individuals responsible for the murder be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing the need for accountability. Malepo also denounced acts of looting reportedly committed by some security forces during their intervention at the Lumbundi camp, highlighting concerns over law enforcement conduct in the area. This incident underscores the growing tensions and challenges facing law enforcement in Kasai province, where community-police relations remain fragile and allegations of abuse can quickly escalate into deadly confrontations.

Faits rapportés

Ilebo, DRC - January 1, 2026 A police commander was brutally killed by angry youths at the Lumbundi camp in the Ilebo territory of Kasai province on Thursday, January 1. The victim, Commander Djuma of the Mapangu police station, was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of assaulting a woman in police custody, according to local sources. Eyewitnesses say the incident began when a woman was arrested and allegedly assaulted by Commander Djuma. In response, a group of youths from the Lumbundi camp intervened, violently attacking the commander. Following the lynching, the Mapangu police station, with support from the Masongo police station, rushed to the scene to investigate and attempt to restore calm. However, residents of the camp fled into the surrounding bush, fearing reprisals. Authorities have confirmed that Commander Djuma’s body has been buried in the center of Mapangu. One young man implicated in the attack has already been detained by police. In the wake of the tragedy, François Malepo, coordinator of the New Civil Society of the Ilebo territory, called on judicial authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He urged that all individuals responsible for the murder be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing the need for accountability. Malepo also denounced acts of looting reportedly committed by some security forces during their intervention at the Lumbundi camp, highlighting concerns over law enforcement conduct in the area. This incident underscores the growing tensions and challenges facing law enforcement in Kasai province, where community-police relations remain fragile and allegations of abuse can quickly escalate into deadly confrontations.