Unfortunate death of Roméo Katompa

Roméo Katompa Kaboya, widely known by his nickname "Bololo," was a professional cruiserweight boxer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who tragically died on July 17, 2026, after reportedly being burned alive during an attack in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local diaspora accounts and widespread social media updates indicate the killing is linked to a violent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. However, official entities like the South African Police Service (SAPS) have yet to release a formal statement confirming the exact details.

Profile Overview

• Full Name: Romeo Katompa Kaboya
• Nickname: "Bololo"
• Date of Death: July 17, 2026
• Place of Birth: Mbuji-Mayi, DRC
• Residence: Gauteng, South Africa
• Professional Record: 4 wins (4 KOs), 2 losses, 0 draws.

Boxing Career

Katompa fought out of South Africa as an orthodox cruiserweight, making his professional boxing debut in July 2018. He was heavily respected within regional boxing circles and was prominently known for serving as a high-profile sparring partner for Junior Makabu, the former WBC cruiserweight world champion. His final professional bout took place on November 8, 2025.

Personal Life and Outrage

Katompa had built his life in South Africa over several years, where he was married to a South African woman and had one child. His brutal killing has sparked immense grief and severe outrage among the Congolese diaspora and the broader African sports community, prompting widespread online calls for swift investigations and justice against the perpetrators of xenophobic violence.

By Olagunju Success Taiwo