By Vongai Hillary Masuka
The police have launched an investigation into the death of a person at the National Sports Stadium during Zimbabwe’s soccer match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, in an incident that involved a police public order vehicle yesterday.
In a press statement issued Monday evening after the match, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said one person died in a stampede at gate number two at 1830 hours, at the start of the match.
The statement described the incident as fatal and said it involved a police public order vehicle and a pedestrian.
The victim is yet to be identified.
The police assured the public that swift and objective investigations were under way to find out exactly what transpired.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that swift and compressive investigations are currently under way after a fatal incident involving a police public order vehicle and a pedestrian at the National Sports stadium where one person died during a stampede at gate number two at 1830 hours at the beginning of the soccer match between Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo.” Reads the statement.
Beyond the tragedy at the gate, the match itself went ahead smoothly, with DRC beating the Warriors 2-1 in front of the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa who was also in the stadium, watching the match.
After the final whistle, fans invaded the stadium as some fought for access to the centre of the field, hoping to have pictures taken with international and local superstars.
In a speech after the match, President Mnangagwa praised the team despite the loss.
“While the final score did not go our way against the Democratic Republic of Congo, our players gave everything on the pitch and treated us to a genuinely magnificent game of football,”
He said.
“They showed exceptional character, skill, and resilience against formidable opponents, proving that our football is moving in the right direction.”
He said the government stood firmly behind the team and the technical staff as they regroup for the rest of the AFCON qualification campaign.
“Defeats are tough, but they are also the foundation of future victories,” the President said.
“Thank you to the thousands of patriotic fans who filled the stadium and roared until the final whistle. Our journey continues.”
Police said a detailed statement would be issued in due course.
The police has expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
