Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
INVESTIGATIONS into the violent crimes committed at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday are in full swing as police yesterday called for calm and patience while they continue to fetch those who spoilt what was promising to be a great game of football between Dynamos FC and Highlanders FC.
Violence erupted after 38 minutes of entertaining play that had lots of goalmouth action and had up to that moment produced two goals for the home team Dynamos. Late yesterday afternoon, police in Bulawayo issued a statement saying arrests so far range from crimes of contravening the Firearms Act, criminal nuisance and public violence.
On Monday, six people were already in detention and yesterday afternoon, Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said law enforcement agents in the city were still investigating. The number of arrests will likely increase as the long arm of law was fast catching up with the criminal elements that put dirt to the world’s most beautiful game, according to Insp Ncube.
Insp Ncube however sent out a call to the public to exercise calm and trust in the work of the ZRP to do their job as they are mandated to.
“Investigations are progressing well and the net is fast closing in. We, for now would want to call for calm and ask the public and the football community to trust that the ZRP will arrest the culprits.
“The ZRP assures the public that full scale investigations are in progress to account for all suspects involved in the violence,” he said.
The six people were arrested in connection with violent behaviour, following the gory incidents that erupted at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday where Dynamos and Highlanders fans fought each other with the visitors (Highlanders) turning their anger on police who were on restraint mode, a situation that saved the situation from degenerating into a calamity.
Mayhem broke in the 38th minute of the Castle Lager Premiership match between Dynamos and Highlanders after fans on the Soweto End, incensed by Allen Bhasvi’s officiating, started pelting the field with missiles. This led to the abandonment of the game with Dynamos leading 2-0.
Police confirmed that eight people were injured but have since been treated and were stable and recovering.
Four of the injured were police officers.
Of the six who were detained on Monday, one was charged for being found with a firearm, although with an empty cartridge.
Insp Ncube had told Zimpapers Sports Hub that a stern warning has to be sent to the public on the dangers of inciting and participating in violence.
Online Reporter