 The mutineers broke into the base 's armoury on the morning of 20 February and pillaged the white quarter of the town . The town 's inhabitants fled , and a Belgian officer and two white civilians were killed . The mutineers attacked visible signs of the colonial authorities and proclaimed their desire for independence . The mutineers then dispersed to their home villages , pillaging on the way ; they failed to spread the insurrection to neighbouring garrisons . Two mutineers , including Mukalabushi , were executed for their part in the insurrection . 
