Luanshya Reports

Referee killed after disputed foul in Chipangali football match!

A 55-year-old football referee has allegedly been beaten to death by players and supporters during a K5,000 Andrew Lubusha Football Tournament match in Chipangali District after reportedly failing to blow the whistle for a foul.

The incident occurred yesterday between 12:05 hours and 13:30 hours at Mchenga Primary School Ground in Chief Mafuta’s area during a replayed match between Mikango United and Leopard United.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba identified the deceased as Donald Tonga, 55, of Madalistso Farm in Chipangali District.

Mweemba said confusion erupted in the first half following a foul incident that angered players from Mikango United, who allegedly turned on the referee and assaulted him using fists, kicks, stones, sticks and a bamboo stick.

He said the referee attempted to flee but was chased by players and supporters who continued attacking him.

The victim sustained a deep cut to the left side of his head and was rushed to Chamasongo Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mweemba said the football tournament, sponsored by Andrew Lubusha, the Member of Parliament for Chipangali, had attracted 16 teams competing for a K5,000 prize.

He added that police officers who visited the clinic found the body lying in a pool of blood.

Police have since opened a docket and launched investigations into the matter. No arrests have been made, while a postmortem examination is yet to be conducted.

By Walusungu Silweya
May 8, 2026
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