By Virginia Chilongo
Zambia Police Officers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium were on Tuesday evening forced to scamper in different directions after fans ran amock targeting the police post within the stadium.
The serious security threat arose after musician, Y-Celeb was physically manhandled by security officers when he crossed the barricade and began running around the stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Zambia and Sierra Leone.
His decision to run around the stadium delighted the fans who burst into loud cheers, however security directed him to leave and dragged him to an exit, a situation that angered the fans.
What seemed to trigger the near-riot environment was the manner in which the artist was physically manhandled by police in public, with his shirt ripped off, much to the displeasure of fans who then ran amock.
The supporters in the terraces threw missiles in all directions targeting anyone including ushers, police officers, ball boys, media and officials.
While those outside the pitch targeted the police post near the North Wing with stones and harmful materials forcing the officers to scamper and abandon the site.
The artist commands arguably one of the largest loyal fan base in Zambia and is loved by locals because he identifies himself with those in various communities such as small scale miners commonly called Jerabos.
Unrelenting, the supporters seemed adamant and focused on their mission to see the artist, commonly called ‘Super Government’, released from police custody, even if it meant breaking him out of police cells.
Later, the police post was secured by the Anti- Robbery Squad, also known as C5 officers who came after about 20 minutes of the pandemonium.
The officers, headed by Zambia Police Chief of Operations for Copperbelt Province, Brighton Mwape, had a tough time taking charge of the situation.
Commissioner Mwape, with 600 officers under his command at the stadium, revised a new strategy and brought in reinforcement close to the pitch and outside the entry points within the stadium.
This seemed to calm the situation as the heavy police presence brought some fear in the supporters, forcing them to act orderly.
Youth, Sport and Arts Minister, Elvis Nkandu who witnessed the ordeal, denounced the behaviour exhibited by the fans.
He further cautioned artists to avoid instigating hostile situations and respect the rules of Sport.
Sierra Leone coach, Amidu Karim also lamented the volatile environment, wondering why a peaceful nation like Zambia would behave in such a manner.
Y-Celeb, whose real name is Webster Chikabala, is currently in police custody at Twapia Police Station in Ndola.
The Football Association of Zambia is yet to issue a statement over the incident.
Muvi TV
