Belgium Crime Roundup: Fatal Machete Attack, Robbery, Vandalism and Animal Cruelty
Belgian authorities have been dealing with a series of serious crime incidents across the country and abroad, ranging from a fatal machete attack in the small town of Marche-en-Famenne to the violent robbery of a Belgian tourist in Lisbon. Additional incidents include a graffiti spree in Veurne and the brutal killing of a family cat in Essen, prompting police investigations and public concern.
Fatal Machete Attack in Marche-en-Famenne
The most severe incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 13, when a young woman was killed with a machete on Avenue de la Toison d’Or in Marche-en-Famenne, a town of approximately 17,000 residents in Belgium’s Luxembourg Province. According to RTBF, a second woman was seriously injured but is no longer in danger.
The suspect, a 20-year-old man from Marche-en-Famenne with no prior criminal record, was arrested and charged with assassination (premeditated murder) and attempted assassination. The Luxembourg public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspect reportedly confessed. Municipal surveillance camera footage contributed significantly to the investigation.
“For a reason that the investigation will have to determine, an individual attacked the victim, pursuing her on the public highway and then striking her several times with a sharp weapon,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
A local resident, Gaetan Halleux, attempted to provide first aid but the victim died in his arms. “She died in my arms,” he told L’Avenir. Mayor Nicolas Grégoire expressed shock, noting that “our municipality is not accustomed to this type of incident.”
Belgian Tourist Robbed in Lisbon
In a separate incident abroad, a Belgian tourist was assaulted and robbed in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district in the early hours of Sunday, July 12. As reported by HLN, four men ambushed the victim around 3:00 AM, stealing a Rolex watch valued at approximately 10,000 euros and a gold chain worth around 1,000 euros.
The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large. Portuguese authorities are conducting an investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing problem of luxury watch thefts targeting tourists in popular European nightlife districts.
Graffiti Spree in Veurne
In West Flanders, a man from Veurne was arrested after spraying yellow and green graffiti on 18 vehicles, homes, gates, and a lighting pole in the Duinkerkestraat and surrounding streets. The vandalism occurred on the evening of Friday, July 10, between 10:00 PM and midnight.
Police chief Geert Verslype of the Spoorkin police zone told VRT NWS that the suspect was under the influence during the incident. He was questioned and subsequently released. Victims have been informed they can file civil claims to recover damages, estimated at several hundred euros per vehicle.
Cat Zorro Killed in Essen
In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, the family cat Zorro was found hanged from a garden gate in the Achterstraat in Wildert, Essen. The incident occurred between Sunday afternoon, July 5, and the early hours of Monday, July 6. The Van Wouw family discovered their pet in what owner Rony Van Wouw described as a horrifying scene.
“The harder Zorro tried to get free, the tighter the rope probably became,” Van Wouw said. Animal rights organization Gaia has filed a complaint, with lawyer Anthony Godfroid describing the act as “psychopathic behavior” and calling for public protection.
According to VRT NWS, police are seeking camera footage and witnesses. No suspects have been identified, though authorities are re-examining a similar case from a year ago in nearby Kalmthout. Under the Flemish Animal Welfare Codex, offenders face up to five years imprisonment.
Broader Implications
These four unrelated incidents, occurring within days of each other, underscore the range of criminal activity affecting Belgian communities — from violent organized crime targeting tourists abroad to local acts of vandalism and animal cruelty. The swift arrest in the Marche-en-Famenne case demonstrates the effectiveness of municipal surveillance networks, while the Lisbon robbery and Essen animal abuse cases remain open investigations.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity and provide any available camera footage that may assist ongoing inquiries.