Marcel Lubala
Radio Télévision nationale congolaise
November 15, 2016, in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Broadcast journalist Marcel Lubala, 59, was killed at his home in Mbuji-Mayi in the early hours of November 15, 2016, according to media reports and press freedom groups .

Lubala presented a program on hygiene and the environment for the state broadcaster Radio Télévision nationale congolaise, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said on its website.

The IFJ said Lubala's killers first called out his name before breaking down the door of his house.

The local press freedom group Journaliste en danger (JED) reported that men in military uniform shot Lubala three times.

His wife was tied up in front of their children, according to JED. Lubala had tried to escape, but was shot three times in the neck and stomach, the group reported.

"After killing him, his killers picked up his bloodied body and dragged it into his bedroom, telling his wife: 'We finally got him, '" JED reported.

The group said it had received information that on the eve of Lubala's murder, local police had summoned him to the local police headquarters regarding a "family affair, " without elaborating.

The Associated Press reported that local authorities announced an investigation into Lubala's killing. Five people were arrested in relation to the murder, but police did not provide a possible motive for the killing.

The article quoted JED as saying that Lubala appeared to be the victim of a "settling of scores."

Civil society groups decried the fact the murder took place during a 10 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew, when security forces were supposed to be in control of the town, according to Agence France-Presse.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Disclaimer: © Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.