Police have since condemned all forms of public violence
and said investigations are being conducted with a view to arrest the hooligans
involved.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant
Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were also disturbed by some politicians who
tried to take advantage of the high profile soccer match to incite violence
before, during and after the soccer match.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police condemns all forms of public
violence at soccer matches in the country and will ensure that arrests are
effected on hooligans without fear or favour. The Police assures the public
that comprehensive investigations are underway in connection with the violence
which erupted during the Premier Soccer League match between Dynamos and
Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on September 10, 2023.
“Preliminary investigations have established that four
police officers and four members of the public were injured during the pitch
invasion and subsequent violence which erupted inside the stadium. Three police
vehicles were stoned and damaged by the soccer hooligans,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the police acted professionally to
contain the situation and did not throw any tear smoke canisters in the stadium
to avoid stampede and fatalities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police acted professionally as
police officers initially deployed at Barbourfields Stadium tried to contain
the situation through cooperation of marshals and did not throw tear smoke
within the stadium. This strategy assisted to avoid stampede, fatalities or
injury to the fans from the two opposing teams.
“Police managed to evacuate the soccer players, match
officials and VVIPS from the stadium and sought for reinforcement to assist in
containing the situation. Tear smoke was only used outside the stadium to
disperse the violent crowd who openly threw stones and other objects at police
officers,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi added, “On the other hand, the Zimbabwe
Republic Police is disturbed by some politicians who tried to take advantage of
the high profile soccer match to incite violence before, during and after the
soccer match. Some of the political undertones have been clearly seen on social
media platforms. The Police warns such political activists that they risk being
arrested for inciting violence at soccer matches.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information which can
assist to account for some of the suspects who instigated or participated in
the violence at Barbourfields Stadium.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the public should feel free to give
information through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp
on 0712 800 197.
“The Police reiterates that the law will take its course on
hooligans at soccer matches as no stone will be left unturned to account for
the suspects involved in the Barbourfields Stadium violence,” he said.
Last week, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga
warned all unruly elements who engage in activities that border on criminality
and acts that are either overtly or covertly calculated to throw this country
into anarchy that they will be dealt with decisively.
His sentiments came after police had launched
investigations into some social media messages being posted by individuals and
groups agitating for unlawful activities and disturbances in the country.
Herald
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