Congolese Boxer Roméo Katompa Allegedly Killed in Suspected Xenophobic Attack in South Africa

Reports circulating within the Congolese community claim that boxer Roméo Katompa, popularly known as “Bololo,” died in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to the reports, Katompa was allegedly burned to death during the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.

The claims have circulated widely on social media and within the Congolese diaspora, although authorities have not officially confirmed the reports.

A Respected Boxer and Father

Based on the sources from various Congolese media platforms and members of the diaspora, Katompa passed away in Johannesburg on the night of July 16-17 due to the alleged xenophobic attack, during which he was set on fire.

It is reported that Katompa had lived in South Africa for several years and managed to establish himself both professionally and personally there.

He was married to a South African lady and had a son.

Apart from the personal life, Katompa was widely recognized in the world of boxing.

He was a sparring partner of Junior Makabu, the former WBC cruiserweight world champion boxer and had trained the Congolese champion for several professional fights.

Also Read:Tensions Rise as Ghana Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks

Rise of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa Worries Again

Katompa’s death will mark another tragic case of the continuing wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, putting the country’s handling of foreign nationals back under the microscope.

South Africa has been plagued by repeated waves of xenophobic violence for almost two decades now.

The most severe national incidents took place in 2008, resulting in over 60 deaths and the displacement of many others.

Similar cases of xenophobia have emerged in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2026, targeting migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Xenophobic violence in South Africa has been widely caused by a combination of unemployment, poverty, inequality, competition between immigrants and locals for informal business opportunities and the strain on social services, as well as the use of undocumented immigrants as scapegoats for the country’s economic problems.

Human rights organizations, meanwhile, have repeatedly pointed out that migrants tend to be used as scapegoats for problems which have their roots in economic and governance issues.

The 2026 Wave of Anti-Migrant Protests

This new wave of violence comes after weeks of protests in South Africa calling for the deportation of undocumented migrants.

Protesters have been holding rallies, closing businesses, and conducting neighborhood searches to find foreigners.

“Vigilantism groups have been attacking migrants from Africa and Asia. We call upon the South African authorities to increase protective efforts, conduct prompt investigations and punish attackers,” Human Rights Watch said in a past address.

Also Read:South Africa Player Dies Days After Representing the Country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Human Rights Watch

On the other hand, the police in South Africa has asked people not to equate the deaths of all foreigners to xenophobia violence.

Last week, police dismissed allegations that the killing of a Nigerian national in police custody was in connection with anti-migrant protests.

Police said investigation pointed to different reasons.

They asked people not to spread rumors.

At the time of writing, no official statement from the police has been released that identifies Katompa and the motive for the murder.

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Nearly 300 Ghanaians have returned home from South Africa after rising fears of renewed xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in the country. Credits PCS