Douala: Man on the run after allegedly killing fiancé, neighbour’s children

Security officers in Douala have launched investigation to track down a man called Joseph Ngounou who allegedly killed his fiancée, Meukalimaja Alida and two kids of a neighbour in Ndogbati, a neighborhood in Douala on June 9, 2024.

Neighbours said Joseph had alleged had promised Alida death if she dared to leave him.

“He threatened to kill Alida countless times. He said it clearly that if she leaves him to settle elsewhere, he will kill her and whosoever is housing her”. George OLI, a neighbour revealed.

This promise was allegedly realized on the night of June 9 when Alida left the house to seek refuge in her friend’s family home, a stone throw from her place when her violent fiance, Joseph went out.

“When he came back that fateful Sunday night and learned Alida was not home , he went looking for her. He discovered she was being housed by her friend, he locked the door from outside and set the neighbour’s house ablaze with the help of 5 Litres of fuel.” George OLI added.

It was only when they screamed for help that neighbours struggled to save them. Unfortunately, Alida and two kids were burnt to death while her friend and husband sustained burns

“The fire was wild, but we managed to smash open the door locked by Joseph. The couple and a baby came out with burns and were taken to the hospital. Alida and two children, one three years old and the other one year three months died in the fire.” Disclosed Josiane Ebilike , a neighbour.

Neighbours also disclosed Joseph had been a thorn in Alida’s flesh ever since they came living in Ndogbati. She has been a victim of gender based violence for years despite complaints filed against the said Joseph at the Gendermerie.

By the time of this report, Joseph was still on the run.