A 55-year-old referee has allegedly been murdered by players and fans in Chipangali District during a football match after failing to signal a foul.
Donald Tonga was allegedly killed by players and supporters of Mikango United Football Team from Raban Village in Chief Mshawa during a match against Leopard United of Magodi Village.Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba stated that the incident occurred today, May 7, 2026, between 12:05 and 13:30 hours at Mchenga Primary School Grounds in Chief Mafuta.
The match was part of a tournament organized by Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha.
Mr Mweemba said that the victim sustained a deep cut on the left side of his head — the only visible major injury — as the mob used fists, kicks, stones, and a bamboo stick during the attack.
“During the first half of the match, a foul was committed, but the referee did not blow his whistle.
This angered the Mikango United players, who protested and immediately began assaulting the referee,” Mr Mweemba said.
The referee attempted to flee to safety, but players and supporters pursued him and continued the assault.
He was eventually rushed to Chamasongo Clinic, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Police officers who visited the clinic reported finding the body lying in a pool of blood.
The tournament consisted of 16 invited teams competing on a knockout basis.
CREDIT: MAYENGO NYIRENDA/ DAILY MAIL