Government has launched investigations into the death of a football fan at the National Sports Stadium after supporters reportedly broke down a gate while attempting to gain entry through an unauthorised route.
In a statement issued today, Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture General (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe said Government was working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and ZIFA to establish what happened.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I learnt of the unfortunate and untimely passing on of a passionate football fan, following an incident at the National Sports Stadium where fans broke down a gate in an attempt to gain access into the stadium through unauthorized means, resulting in efforts to disperse the crowd, leading to the unfortunate incident,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the Warriors supporters following the death.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the entire sporting fraternity and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends and the entire Warriors family on this painful loss.
We share in your grief during this extremely difficult time. The loss of a life in the pursuit of supporting our beloved game is a tragedy that has shaken us all,” he added
The Minister said several other supporters were injured during the incident and assured the nation that Government was monitoring their condition.
“We have also been informed that some fans sustained injuries during the incident. I wish them a speedy and full recovery and assure the nation that Government is monitoring their condition closely,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe said investigations were already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent a recurrence at sporting facilities.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is working flat out with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sports and Recreation Commission and ZIA to ensure that this incident is fully and thoroughly investigated to establish the cause of this unfortunate incident.
Our objective is clear; to establish the facts and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated again in any of our sporting venues,” the Minister added.
He said Government would strengthen safety measures at sporting events, including crowd management, access control and emergency response systems.
“The safety and security of fans, players and officials at all sporting events remains a top priority for Government. We will review and strengthen crowd management protocols, access control measures and emergency response systems across all our facilities,” General Sanyatwe said.
He also said Government has commenced processes to ensure the deceased Warriors fan was accorded a decent burial.
