POLICE on the Copperbelt have confirmed the arrest of eight suspected Nkana FC supporters following the violent scenes that marred the end of yesterday’s Kitwe derby between Power Dynamos and Nkana at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The clash clash ended in a 1-1 draw, but left Zambia’s only CAF accepted stadium in a mess as plastic chairs were ripped from the stands, objects were thrown onto the pitch, and order quickly gave way to violence.
Speaking to Kalemba today, Copperbelt Police Commissioner Pathias Siandenge confirmed that police have arrested eight culprits in connection with the incident.
“Yes, we have arrested the eight,” he said.
“But still, there are a lot of people who are involved. We are still conducting investigations and more arrests are expected.”
Siandenge added that most of those involved were seen wearing Nkana regalia, pointing to fans of the Kitwe-based side as the main culprits behind the riot.
He said the violence began the moment the referee pointed to the spot for the late Power Dynamos penalty, which was converted by Brian Masanyinga.
“The riot started when Power Dynamo was given a penalty. The Nkana fans didn’t do too well with that,” Siandenge said.
“They started breaking chairs in the stadium and throwing particles onto the field.”
While police managed to contain the situation before it spilled further outside the stadium, the damage to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and the country’s football image had already been done.
The arrested suspects remain in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have warned that anyone found to have participated in the stadium vandalism will be held accountable, as the hunt for more suspects intensifies.
By George Musonda
Kalemba April 21, 2025
