Referee Beaten To Death By Players, Fans After Disputed Call In Zambia

A referee was killed by football hooligans in Chipangali District, Eastern Province, Zambia, following a decision he made during a match.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said three suspects in the murder of referee Donald Tonga were arrested just after 7 pm on Friday. They had allegedly gone into hiding after the incident.

“The suspects are assisting us with investigations as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the referee. More updates will be given as the case progresses,” Mweemba said.

Tonga died on Thursday during a replayed football match between Mikango United and Leopard United at Mchenga Primary School grounds. The two teams were playing for a K5,000 prize.

Reports say Tonga had been appointed as the sole referee for the tournament, with no assistant referees or linesmen.

Trouble reportedly began when he did not award a foul in the first half.

The decision allegedly angered players from Mikango United, who, along with some supporters, reportedly attacked the referee with fists, kicks, stones and sticks.

Witnesses said Tonga tried to run from the crowd but was caught and beaten until he collapsed.

He was rushed to Chamasongo Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police officers who went to the clinic reportedly found Tonga lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on the left side of his head. –

_Lusaka Times_