Kwekwe Mayor condemns Chahwanda chaos during hospital visit

KWEKWE Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga has strongly condemned the violence and vandalism that marred the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock and Dynamos at Chahwanda Stadium, saying the city does not tolerate such behaviour.

“We condemn any form of violence against human beings in places of social cohesion. What we are seeing on viral videos is not good people vandalising such a magnificent facility and people beating each other in a stadium is uncalled for,” Zinhanga said during a visit to injured patients at Kwekwe General Hospital on Monday.

The mayor called for swift police action against those identified in circulating footage.
“I hope the police will bring to book all those seen on viral videos breaking the law. We are not going to spare anyone and we urge the police to arrest those who break the law.”
Zinhanga said the incident had tarnished what should have been a celebratory moment for the city.

“It’s very unfortunate that while we are celebrating the birth of Chahwanda Stadium, built by Shepherd Chahwanda who I highly regard as one of business investors in Kwekwe. We are really worried by the destruction and vandalism that happened to the property. We saw banners and perimeter fence being destroyed.”
He added that he would work with stadium management to prevent a repeat.

“We have to come hard on the perpetrators of this incident. As City father we will work hand in glove with the Chahwanda management as we wait for the Premier Soccer League report and disciplinary measures. It’s quite unfortunate that this incident happened on a day we thought it was supposed to be a family day. We expect a football match to be a family outing socialising while watching the beautiful game.”

The mayor, who had just returned from Azerbaijan, said he would assess the stadium damage this week.
“I just arrived in the country from Azerbaijan and visited the hospital and I will visit Chahwanda Stadium tomorrow or on Wednesday to assess the damage and see how we can assist Mr Chahwanda and map the way forward to avoid the same scenario in the future.”
Zinhanga also thanked hospital staff for managing the influx of injured fans.

“We really appreciate the effort by Kwekwe General Hospital medical staff and Dr Bruce Mhondiwa for quickly attending to the injured fans. The hospital was overwhelmed by people seeking medical attention but they managed to control the situation and today there are left with two admissions.”
Dr Mhondiwa a doctor at Kwekwe General Hospital who attended the injured soccer fans said 19 people were treated after the stadium incident, with eight initially admitted.

“We treated 19 patients from the stadium and admitted eight while others refused admission, requested to be treated and allowed to travel back to Harare,” Dr Mhondiwa said. “Of the admitted seven were males and one female.”
He confirmed that no fractures were recorded.

“To all people who came here we didn’t record any fractures or deaths, there are all soft tissue,” he said.
By Monday, some patients had been discharged following x-rays and reviews.

“Today we discharged six patients after ex-rays and reviews, we now left with two patients.
The female patient is recovering from chest pains in the private ward, while a male patient with a knee injury remains under care. The female patient chose to be admitted in the private ward on her request.