Six arrested as referee Salma Mukansanga’s case takes new twist

Six Kiyovu supporters are in custody over allegedly abusing international referee Salma Mukansanga during and after the club’s league match against Gasogi United on January 20 at Bugesera stadium. Rwanda Investigation Bureau Spokesperson Thierry Murangira on Friday confirmed the suspects, three men and three women, were arrested Thursday, January 26, and are currently detained at Remera, Kacyiru and Kicukiro RIB stations. The six suspects include; Madina Nishimwe, Jeanne Salima, Aziz Harerimana, Hamza Nsengimana, Fatuma Icyitegetse and Abdul Basta Bigirimana. “They are charged with public insults and discrimination, Murangira told Times Sport, adding that RIB is still looking for more suspects who may have played a part in the incident. As investigation continues, Murangira said, “the suspects’ case files are being process for submission to the prosecution.” Mukansanga, who made history last year when she became one of the first women to officiate at Fifa World Cup, was targeted by a section of angry Kiyovu supporters who insulted her at full time accusing her of unfair refereeing after their side was held to a goalless draw by Gasogi United. During the match, Kiyovu fans repeatedly expressed their frustration with Mukansanga’s decisions, some chanting ‘you’re old, you’re old, you’re old’ towards the 34-year-old referee. And, as she walked down the tunnel to the dressing room after the full time whistle, an angry fan ran towards her in an attempt to attack her but security guards intervened before a group of fans followed her chanting, prostitute! Prostitute! Prostitute!. Murangira urged football supporters to avoid ‘abusive language’ while supporting their respective teams. “Go and do support your clubs but do not use abusive language which is targeting other people,” he added. Besides the supporters, Kiyovu could also face action from local football governing body (Ferwafa)’s disciplinary committee after the federation condemned the “unsporting behaviour”.

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Six arrested as referee Salma Mukansanga’s case takes new twist