Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrest four suspects following violent clashes that erupted during a Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium on 24 May 2025, which left seven supporters injured and forced officials to abandon the game just ten minutes before full time.

In a statement, the police revealed the arrested individuals as Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46), and Emmanuel Dube (50).

Authorities allege that the four were among a larger group of spectators who instigated violent disturbances that spiraled out of control in the 80th minute of the highly anticipated fixture.

Describing the sequence of events, police confirmed that the trouble began when rival supporters started hurling missiles at each other from opposite ends of the terraces.

ZRP said, “The suspects were part of a group involved in violent disturbances which erupted after supporters from both teams reportedly hurled missiles at each other, invaded the pitch and engaged in fighting, resulting in the match being abandoned after the 80th minute.”

The violence quickly escalated as dozens of fans spilled over barriers and onto the playing field, forcing match officials and players to flee to the dressing rooms for their safety.

Seven supporters sustained injuries of varying severity during the melee.

Police further noted, “Seven supporters sustained injuries during the disturbances and were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital, where they were admitted in stable condition.”

Hospital sources indicate that none of the injuries are life-threatening, though several victims required stitches and observation for head trauma.

Infrastructure at Chahwanda Stadium also suffered significant damage.

The ZRP confirmed that turnstiles and perimeter barricades were torn down or broken as crowds forced their way inside.

The statement added, “Stadium infrastructure, including turnstiles and perimeter barricades, was also damaged during the skirmishes.”

Perhaps most alarming is the police revelation that nearly 5,000 ticketless fans remained locked outside the stadium even after kickoff.

In a striking detail, the police disclosed, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating the circumstances which led to nearly 5,000 soccer fans remaining outside the stadium during the time the match started, with some of them later on damaging infrastructure and gaining entrance into the stadium. The fans contributed to the violence scenes inside the stadium.”

Authorities are now urging soccer governing bodies to take immediate preventive measures.

The police warned that overcrowding and poor ticket management directly fueled the disorder.

“The police urge soccer authorities to ensure stadium seating capacity is not exceeded and tickets are pre-sold before the match to curtail stampede such as the one witnessed before the match at Chahwanda Stadium,” the statement read.

The ZRP has pledged to engage the Premier Soccer League administration in the coming days to review safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the four arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.