I realise that you are not alone in disliking Kinshasa, but why would you take against a place because you can get pickpocketed there? Surely this is a hazard in most, if not all, cities around the world? Your friend's story shows that he is able to shop in the big market and that a few words of Lingala were enough to win him space, respect and the support of onlookers. Doesn't sound so bad to me. When my bag was nicked the other day, I was even lucky enough to get it back within an hour or two!