Vusumuzi Dube
Online News Editor
AS conversations surrounding the violent skirmishes that were experienced during a league match pitting Dynamos and Highlanders, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has called on self-policing amid revelations that they are now employing the highest level of public order management during soccer matches.
The match was called off after 38 minutes of action when missiles rained from Barbourfields’ Soweto Stand with Highlanders trailing 2-0. Highlanders fans were allegedly irked by referee Allen Bhasvi’s officiating. Matters came to a head when Mckinnon Mushore appeared to have been fouled in the box by Dynamos’ Keith Madera in the 37th minute leading to a stoppage and ultimately abandoning of the match.
Police were forced to use tear smoke to disperse crowds outside the stadium. Bosso were fined US$5 000 for the crowd trouble after a disciplinary hearing presided by Doreen Gapare, while club vice-captain Peter Muduhwa was fined US$500 on allegations of inciting violence after he shouted that referees should not be assisted to their rooms. He was also banned for four matches. DeMbare were fined US$3 500 for the conduct of their fans but were also awarded the three points.
Speaking during the Sunday News Football Indaba that was held recently, Superintendent Enock Chishiri, responsible for ZRP Crime and Operations in Bulawayo West district, where Barbourfields Stadium falls under, shed light on the escalating security measures being taken by the police in response to the skirmishes witnessed during the match.
Sup Chishiri emphasised the need for self-policing within society and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order. Speaking passionately about the state of affairs within the nation, he questioned whether Zimbabwe had become a country unable to police itself.
“Are we a nation that has failed to police ourselves, do we want to live in a country whereby we will have a police officer behind each and every person in Zimbabwe, remember our population versus the population of police officers in the country. Right now that is the challenge we are facing; people are failing to police themselves. If you look at the way we are now handling these soccer matches we are now at the highest level of public order management where we are bringing water cannons, guns, shields, and baton sticks to a soccer match, a social function where we expect people to come and enjoy themselves,” he said.
Discussing the heightened security measures being implemented at the soccer matches, Supt Chishiri expressed concern over the necessity of employing such resources, at an event that was expected to be a social gathering.
“As police, we are not stakeholders in terms of management of football, we are hired by the organisers of the event to provide security, so we come as service providers. In terms of numbers at times our hands are tied because they hire only a certain number of officers but as of now from those skirmishes, you are going to see more police officers in their numbers regardless of being hired or not because in terms of Section 219 of the Constitution, we have a mandate to maintain law and order in the country,” said Supt Chishiri.
Addressing allegations of selective policing, he categorically stated that the police force operates as a professional organisation, treating each situation on its own merits and demerits.
“We are a professional organisation and we never apply ourselves selectively in terms of execution of our duty, each and every situation is dealt with in terms of its merits and demerits. We are still coming out to those who perpetrate violence during soccer matches and we are still arresting them. So we are appealing to people, let us allow the match to be played in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere,” he said.
Online Reporter