By Edwin Mbewe
CHIPANGALI-(MaraviPost)-Shock and grief have engulfed Chipangali District after a 55-year-old football referee was allegedly beaten to death by angry players and supporters during the Andrew Lubusha Football Tournament.
The tragic incident happened yesterday between 12:05 hours and 13:30 hours at Mchenga Primary School Grounds in Chief Mafuta’s area during a tense replayed fixture between Mikango United and Leopard United.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba identified the deceased as Donald Tonga of Madalistso Farm in Chief Mafuta’s area.
According to police, the violence stemmed from growing tensions that had already surrounded the tournament clash. During an earlier encounter played on May 5, chaos erupted after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Leopard United while Mikango United was leading 2-1. Furious protests forced the match to be abandoned.
In an attempt to calm tempers, officials from both teams met on May 6 and agreed that the game would be replayed from the first minute.
But what was meant to settle the dispute ended in tragedy.
Mr. Mweemba said trouble broke out during the first half of the replayed match after the referee allegedly ignored a foul, triggering outrage among Mikango United players and supporters.
Witnesses say the referee was suddenly surrounded by an enraged mob before being brutally attacked with fists, kicks, stones, sticks and a bamboo stick as he desperately tried to escape from the pitch.
Some spectators reportedly attempted to rescue him, but were overpowered by the violent crowd.
Donald Tonga was later rushed to Chamasongo Clinic in critical condition, but medical staff pronounced him dead on arrival.
The shocking killing has sent waves of fear and condemnation across the district, with many residents questioning the growing levels of violence in local football.
Police have since launched investigations into the incident and are expected to make arrests.
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