Police in Eastern Province have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of 55-year-old referee Donald Tonga during a football match in Chipangali District.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the suspects were apprehended yesterday around 19:07 hours after allegedly going into hiding following 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 played at Mchenga Primary School grounds.
The two teams were competing for a K5,000 prize.
According to reports, Tonga had been appointed as the sole referee for the tournament without assistant referees or linesmen. Trouble reportedly started after he failed to award a foul during the first half of the match.
The decision allegedly angered players from Mikango United, who, together with some supporters, reportedly attacked the referee using fists, kicks, stones and sticks.
Witnesses said Tonga attempted to flee from the crowd but was caught and assaulted until he collapsed.
He 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.
