Mufulira Wanderers Football Club has confirmed that an armed robbery occurred at the club’s secretariat on Sunday, 15th February 2026, shortly after their Week 20 fixture against Nchanga Rangers at Shinde Stadium.
The incident, which involved armed assailants and the theft of substantial gate takings, has sent shockwaves through the club and its supporters.
According to a statement released by the club, armed criminals stormed the secretariat and held staff members at gunpoint. The suspects stole K181,000 in cash — proceeds from gate collections — before hijacking a Toyota Harrier, registration number AIF 4314, belonging to Logistics Manager Patrick Mwanza.
The vehicle was reportedly being used to transport the funds to Mopani Security for safekeeping when the robbery occurred. Witnesses indicated that gunshots were fired into the air to disperse bystanders, creating panic before the suspects fled the scene.
The club immediately alerted the Zambia Police Service, who launched a manhunt. Later that evening, the stolen vehicle was recovered after being abandoned by the suspects. However, the perpetrators escaped with the cash.
In its official communication, the club expressed deep regret over the incident and reassured supporters, sponsors and stakeholders that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The statement, issued by Club President George Katongo, confirmed that additional security measures are being implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
From a broader perspective, the incident raises concerns about match-day cash handling and security logistics within local football structures. With gate takings still forming a significant revenue stream for clubs, enhanced security protocols may now become an urgent priority across the league.
The armed robbery at Mufulira Wanderers’ secretariat marks a serious security breach that has affected not only the club but the wider football community. While the recovery of the vehicle offers some relief, the loss of K181,000 represents a significant financial setback.
As investigations continue, attention will now turn to strengthening operational security to safeguard clubs and personnel moving forward.
