Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
THE case involving a security guard and a cashier who were allegedly implicated in a ticket-recycling scam during the Chibuku Super Cup first-round clash between Chicken Inn and Highlanders on Sunday failed to kick off in court on Tuesday.
The two suspects were expected to appear in court for remand or plea recording, but proceedings were postponed after prosecutors returned the docket to the police for further investigations.
The pair are expected back in court on Wednesday.
The case, which has attracted considerable attention, was reported at Barbourfields Police Station following the match.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive officer Mr Rodwell Thabe confirmed the incident to Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I can confirm that during the Chibuku Super Cup match between Highlanders and Chicken Inn FC, our alert PSL officials and chief cashiers, while conducting standard supervisory checks at Gate 23, apprehended a security officer who was the ticket checker and a part-time PSL cashier who is also employed at a bank, for acting in a manner inconsistent with their duties and expected conduct,” said Thabe.
“Upon conducting further searches and stock verification procedures with the assistance of the ZRP, the pair was handed over to the police and placed on record for suspected ticket recycling and misappropriation of funds.”
Thabe said the suspects were still in police custody on Tuesday afternoon.
“The two suspects are still in police custody assisting the ZRP with investigations,” he said.
He commended PSL and club officials for their vigilance as the league continues efforts to curb alleged theft at stadium turnstiles, which he said was affecting some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Dynamos and Highlanders.
“Ours is a commitment to proper procedures and dedication to maintaining integrity and order within the game,” said Thabe.
According to investigations by Zimpapers Sports Hub, an alarm was raised after Gate 23 was suddenly closed, resulting in a growing number of fans being left outside the stadium.
Highlanders security officer Opar Mpofu and chief cashiers were reportedly seen engaging those manning the turnstile before police were alerted.
The two suspects were subsequently taken to Barbourfields Police Station.
The cashier was allegedly found in possession of tickets whose authenticity and sequence numbers raised suspicion.
When questioned about the anomaly, he reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, while the sequence numbers on the tickets did not tally.
The cashier was allegedly found with US$120 despite declaring only US$2 at the start of his shift.
The security officer was allegedly found with US$179 and had reportedly not made any declaration when he started work.
