adminSenior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa has condemned perpetrators of violence that erupted after the end of the Battle of Titans between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
A total of 86 suspects were rounded up by the police during the skirmishes.
Minister Langa called on the police to deal with such elements and make sure they feel the full wrath of the law.
After the match won 1-0 by the Harare giants there were running battles outside the venue, into Mzilikazi and Makokoba suburbs and along the Victoria Falls Road close to Amakhosi Cultural Centre as fans of both clubs stoned passing cars.
A vehicle carrying the Chronicle news crew was stopped by a clearly drunk fan who was holding two big bricks.
“Surely this is totally uncalled for, our football fans should learn to accept the outcome of the match, it cannot always go their way all the time. Stoning innocent people’s cars like that is just bad really. I therefore want to condemn, seriously the violence that erupted after the match and call on the police to make sure perpetrators are arrested and brought to book,” said Langa.
He also said rival fans should stop forthwith singing derogatory songs that might cause anger, hatred and incite violence.
“Violence chases away fans from the stadium. Clubs like Highlanders and Dynamos need fans and if they are not there, the clubs lose out on revenue,” said Minister Langa. Bulawayo police spokesman, Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed the arrest of 86 suspects for various offences ranging from stoning cars, public nuisance, being drunk to disorderly behaviour.
“The suspects will appear in court soon, especially those who were arrested for stoning cars while those arrested for being drunk and disorderly will pay a fine tomorrow (today). We will not tolerate uncouth behaviour, people must appreciate the result of the match,” said Moyo.
Moyo said half of the suspects were arrested before the match for being drunk and disorderly with the number ballooning to 86 after the match.
“We also appeal to members of the public who might have witnessed some of the perpetrators to come forward with such information for we as police cannot see every crime scene,” said Moyo.
Online Reporter