Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Government has intensified investigations into a fatal incident involving a police public order vehicle and a pedestrian at the National Sports Stadium on Monday evening, where one person died during a stampede at the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Police said the tragedy occurred at Gate Number Two and involved a public order vehicle and the victim.
In a statement released yesterday, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, said the main objective of the investigation was to establish the facts and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated at any sporting venue.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I learnt of the unfortunate and untimely passing on of a passionate football fan, following an incident at the National Sports Stadium where fans broke down a gate in an attempt to gain access into the stadium through unauthorised means, resulting in efforts to disperse the crowd, leading to the unfortunate incident.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the entire sporting fraternity and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the entire Warriors family on this painful loss. We share in your grief during this extremely difficult time.
“The loss of a life in the pursuit of supporting our beloved game is a tragedy that has shaken us all,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe said he had also been informed that some fans sustained injuries during the incident.
“I wish them a speedy and full recovery and assure the nation that Government is monitoring their condition closely.”
The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, has assured the public of objective and comprehensive investigations to find out exactly what transpired.
