Dr Joseph Kabungo did not die in a stampede – Government

The government has dispelled social media reports that the late Doctor Joseph Kabungo died in a stampede by fans at the stadium where he was working as an anti-doping officer under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria and Ghana.

In a statement, Government Chief Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda says the Zambian government has been in touch with the High Commissioner in Abuja which has stated that Dr. Kabungo died after collapsing as he was walking to a doping room with some players and officials at the stadium after the match.

Ms. Kasanda says the High Commission in Abuja has explained that according to the doctors and other officials that were on duty with him at the stadium, Dr Kabungo had earlier complained of feeling tired.

She adds that at halftime, he retreated to a room and later returned to the touchline to continue his work before collapsing in the tunnel as he was walking to the anti-doping room.

Ms. Kasanda has therefore urged the public to ignore social media reports that Dr. Kabungo died in a stampede.

She has described the death of Dr. Kabungo as a great loss to the country and the football fraternity at large.

Dr. Kabungo died on Tuesday, 29th March 2022, while on duty in Abuja, Nigeria, where he was on duty as an anti-doping officer under CAF for a FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana.