Three Nkana Football Club players have been arrested and charged for alleged malicious damage to government property, following Sunday’s fiery Kitwe derby against Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The trio, striker Idris Mbombo, team captain Harrison Chisala and defender Clement Mwape are accused of forcibly damaging the locking system of the referee’s dressing room after the match, which ended 1-1 amid controversy and crowd violence.
Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Pathias Siandenge confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the matter was officially reported by Charles Chisenga, a Cabinet Office employee attached to the stadium.
Siandenge stated that the three players, who damaged a door to the referee’s room and its locking system, valued at K5,000, have since been charged and are currently in police custody pending a court appearance.
The incident comes in the wake of mounting criticism against Nkana FC, whose fans were involved in acts of hooliganism during the same match, damaging over 500 stadium seats following a late penalty awarded to Power Dynamos.
By Lovemore Sondashi
