Police in Chipangali District have apprehended eight more suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a football referee who was beaten to death during a community soccer match at Mchenga Primary School Ground in Chief Mafuta.
This development brings the total number of suspects arrested in the case to 12.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the arrests, stating that the eight suspects—mostly believed to be football supporters—were picked up between 01:00 and 02:00 hours today during a continued police operation aimed at tracking down all those involved.
Mr. Mweemba said police have widened investigations and intensified the manhunt to ensure that every person linked to the crime is brought to book.
Referee Beaten to Death Over Alleged Poor Officiating
The suspects are connected to the killing of Donald Tonga, aged 55, of Madalitso Farms, who was allegedly attacked by players and supporters of Mikango United Football Club after they accused him of poor officiating during a match against Leopard FC.
Police reports indicate that the suspects involved in the assault are all from Laban Village in Chief Mshawa’s area.
Mr. Mweemba explained that after the incident, several suspects went into hiding but were later apprehended around 19:00 hours yesterday during police operations.
He added that all suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts to locate additional suspects still on the run have been escalated.
MP Lubusha Denies Sponsoring Tournament
Meanwhile, Chipangali Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha has clarified that he is not the official sponsor of the tournament where the referee was killed.
Mr. Lubusha stated that the tournament was organized by members of the local community, and that his involvement was only limited to offering supplementary support, including donating match balls and contributing K5,000.
The case has continued to attract public attention and national outrage, with many Zambians calling for strict punishment against those involved in the killing.
Source: ZNBC News | By Christopher Miti
