‘They burned him alive’: How a viral ‘fake disease’ rumour led to the brutal killing of DRC health workers
Four Congolese health workers, including John Tangakeya and Placide Mbungi, were killed in October 2025 in Tshopo province after villagers accused them of spreading a 'fake disease,' fueled by viral misinformation about vaccines and miraculous cures. The attack highlights a surge in health-related misinformation across Africa, with false claims—amplified by social media and church leaders—eroding trust in healthcare systems and leading to violence against frontline workers.
Four health workers were killed on October 6, 2025, in Ilambi village, Tshopo province, Democratic Republic of Congo, after villagers accused them of spreading a 'fake disease.' John Tangakeya and Placide Mbungi were burned alive during the attack, while a fifth worker survived. A team member, Mbatu, said the workers repeatedly tried to explain they were conducting vaccine research but were met with suspicion due to their high-visibility jackets and digital tablets. The killings reflect a broader crisis of misinformation in Africa, where false claims about diseases and vaccines are spreading rapidly. Online rumors, including an 'imaginary disease' causing genital atrophy, have fueled distrust in healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO)-led Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA) reported at least 17 health worker deaths in the DRC linked to violence, with misinformation hotline calls surging from 3,331 to 31,336 in 2025. In early October, AIRA received alerts about fake illness claims in Tshopo province, coinciding with the spread of videos showing alleged miracle cures. Pastor Jules Mulindwa of the Pentecostal Church Light of the World in Kisangani claimed to have cured a taxi driver through prayer, though the video’s authenticity remains unverified. Mulindwa, previously convicted in a defamation case, has also made unfounded claims about curing coronavirus. Meta’s fact-checking program reviewed the viral video after Reuters flagged it, but enforcement actions depend on independent assessments. Meanwhile, AIRA documented nearly 500 incidents tied to conspiracy theories and false health information, underscoring the role of social media and religious leaders in amplifying dangerous rumors. The attacks in Congo follow similar incidents in Mozambique and Malawi, where misinformation about cholera and vaccinations has led to violence against healthcare workers. WHO data shows a sharp rise in health-related misinformation, threatening public trust and endangering frontline responders in the region.
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