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The death of Congolese boxer Roméo “Bololo” Katompa has sparked widespread discussion across Africa, but his longtime manager has dismissed claims that the fighter was killed in a xenophobic attack.
Raymond Kupula, Katompa’s trainer and manager, has urged members of the Congolese community to stop spreading allegations that the boxer was murdered because of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. According to Kupula, Katompa died after a fire broke out inside his rented apartment in Yeoville, Johannesburg.
The incident attracted significant attention on social media, where many users claimed the boxer had fallen victim to xenophobic violence. However, Kupula insists there is no evidence to support those claims and warned that people who continue to spread unverified allegations could face legal consequences.
“Katompa’s death has nothing to do with xenophobia,” Kupula said. “His apartment caught fire, and he died in the blaze. People should not make serious accusations without proof.”
Kupula, who currently lives in Dubai, said he first learned of the tragedy through a fellow Congolese national who informed him that Katompa had died inside the burned apartment. Shortly afterwards, journalists also contacted him asking for comment on reports alleging the boxer had been killed in a xenophobic attack.
The veteran boxing promoter said he was surprised by how quickly the rumours spread despite there being no official confirmation linking the death to anti-foreigner violence.
While rejecting the xenophobia claims, Kupula admitted that many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.
He wondered why Katompa, who was physically fit as a professional athlete, was unable to escape from the apartment. He also questioned why the fire reportedly affected only Katompa’s unit rather than spreading throughout the building.
Despite these concerns, Kupula stressed that the public should allow investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
“We must give the police space to investigate. They will provide answers once they have finished their investigation,” he said.
Katompa, affectionately known as “Bololo,” hailed from Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He built a boxing career that saw him record four knockout victories and earn a professional record of four wins and two defeats. He was also respected within African boxing circles and remained hopeful of reviving his career.
According to Kupula, the boxer had contacted him just days before his death.
“I missed his call because my phone was switched off,” Kupula revealed. “When I turned it back on, I saw that he had tried to reach me.”
The manager said he had continued encouraging Katompa to remain committed to training while he worked on securing international opportunities for him in Dubai, where Kupula now helps arrange overseas bouts for African fighters.
Kupula also revealed that Katompa lived in South Africa with his South African wife and their two children, although he said he was unaware of their current whereabouts following the tragic incident.
Having spent 17 years boxing in South Africa before becoming a promoter under RKL Promotions, Kupula appealed for restraint and responsible reporting as investigations continue.
Authorities are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to Katompa’s death. Until then, Kupula says speculation only adds unnecessary confusion to an already heartbreaking tragedy.
The boxer leaves behind a grieving family, friends and supporters across Africa who continue to mourn the loss of a fighter remembered for his determination both inside and outside the ring.
