Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE City of Harare has said it never resolved to close the busy Samora Machel Avenue ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled for the National Sports Stadium this evening.
According to the authorities, the correct position is that municipal police officers will be stationed at all intersections around the stadium and along Samora Machel Avenue and Solomon Mujuru Drive (formerly Kirkman Drive) to help maintain the smooth flow of traffic.
Harare City Council Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Chiwawa made the clarification in a statement.
“Our attention has been drawn to a purported notice from the City of Harare on the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium on Monday September 28, 2026,” he said.
The statement attributed to a senior municipal police officer claimed that parts of Samora Machel will be closed for a certain period before and during the match.
“The City of Harare never resolved to close the busy road as this would only worsen congestion for residents who use the road especially during busy periods of the day. This match is anticipated to attract huge numbers of soccer fans and unusual vehicular traffic in and around the NSS.
“The correct position is that our municipal police officers will be stationed at all intersections around NSS along Samora Machel and Solomon Mujuru Drive (formerly Kirkman Drive) to help maintain the smooth flow of traffic.”
He said the general motoring public is therefore encouraged to use alternative routes and exercise extreme caution.
“The City sincerely apologises for any inconvenience that this may cause. The City of Harare urges residents to ignore the misleading notice,” he said.
“Residents are reminded that only the Mayor, the Town Clerk and the Corporate Communications Manager are authorised to speak to the media or communicate publicly on Council issues.”
Meanwhile, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police will be conducting their day-to-day duties of maintaining law and order in and around the city.
