A football tournament in Chipangali turned deadly yesterday after a referee was allegedly beaten to death by angry players and supporters during a match at Mchenga Primary School Grounds.
Donald Tonga, 55, was officiating a replay fixture between Mikango United and Leopard United in Chief Mafuta’s area when tensions suddenly escalated on the pitch.
According to police, trouble started after Tonga allegedly failed to award a foul during the first half of the game. The decision reportedly angered players from Mikango United, who then confronted the referee before the situation spiraled out of control.
Witnesses say the players, together with some supporters, began attacking Tonga using fists, kicks, stones and sticks while chasing him around the football ground.
He reportedly attempted to escape from the mob, but was eventually caught and beaten until he collapsed.
Some fans at the scene allegedly tried to rescue him, but failed to stop the violence.
The injured referee was later rushed to Chamasongo Clinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers who visited the clinic reportedly found Tonga lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on the left side of his head.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, saying investigations have since been launched.
“No arrest made yet. Postmortem yet to be conducted,” said Mweemba.
The match was part of the Andrew Lubusha Football Tournament, a community competition sponsored by Chipangali Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha, with a K5,000 cash prize.
It has also emerged that Tonga was officiating the tournament alone without assistant referees or linesmen.
The incident has sparked concern over safety and crowd control at community football tournaments.