The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested four suspects in connection with violent disturbances that erupted during a Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on Sunday.
In a statement yesterday, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests of Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46) and Emmanuel Dube (50) following the crowd violence that forced the abandonment of the match in the 80th minute.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirm the arrest of Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46) and Emmanuel Dube (50) in connection with acts of violence and public disorder which occurred during the Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium, Kwekwe, on 24th May 2026,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Police said the suspects were part of a violent group that allegedly engaged in clashes after supporters from both teams began throwing missiles at each other before invading the pitch and fighting.
“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,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Commissioner Nyathi said police investigations had since widened to establish the circumstances surrounding the crowd management failures at the stadium, particularly after nearly 5 000 supporters reportedly remained outside the venue when the match started.
“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 damaging infrastructure and gaining entrance into the stadium. The fans contributed to the violence scenes inside the stadium,”he said
The police also called on football authorities to tighten crowd control and improve stadium administration to prevent similar incidents.
“The police urges soccer authorities to ensure stadium seating capacity is not exceeded and tickets are pre-sold before the match to curtail stampedes such as the one witnessed before the match at Chahwanda Stadium,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He added that the police would engage the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association to ensure public safety is prioritised at future matches.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urge members of the public to exercise tolerance, discipline and responsible conduct during sporting events. The public is warned against engaging in violence, vandalism or any form of public disorder, as offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
The violence left seven supporters injured, with all of them referred to Kwekwe General Hospital where they remain admitted in stable condition. Stadium infrastructure, including turnstiles and perimeter barricades, was also damaged during the chaos.
