08/05/2026
Football Referee Killed In Chipangali Match Violence during Andrew Lubusha Football Tournament
By Ezron Miti
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.
The incident happened 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 says the deceased has been identified as 55-year-old Donald Tonga of Madalistso Farm in Chipangali District.
Mr Mweemba says confusion started in the first half after a foul incident which angered players from Mikango United, who allegedly turned on the referee and assaulted him using fists, kicks, stones, sticks and a bamboo stick.
He says the referee attempted to run away but was chased by the players and supporters who continued attacking him.
The victim sustained a deep cut on the left side of the head and was rushed to Chamasongo Clinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Mr Mweemba says the football tournament, sponsored by Chipangali Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha, had attracted 16 teams competing for a K5,000 prize.
He says police have since opened a docket while investigations have been instituted to bring the suspects to book.
No arrests have been made and a postmortem examination is yet to be conducted.
