By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested four suspects in connection with the violent fracas that reigned supreme during a top-flight soccer match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.
The suspects are Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46) and Emmanuel Dube (50).
Police said the four were among a group of supporters who were allegedly violent resulting in the injuries of several Dynamos fans and forcing the match to be abandoned after 80 minutes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46) and Emmanuel Dube (50) in connection with acts of violence public disorder which occurred during the premier soccer league mat between ardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium, Kwekwe, on 24 May 2026,” national police spokesman Senior Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
“The suspects were part of a group involved in violent disturbances which erupted after supporters from both tea nas reportedly hurled missiles at each other, invaded the pitch and engaged in fighting, resulting in the match being abandoned after 80th minute.”
He said seven supporters sustained injuries during the disturbances and were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital, where they are admitted in stable condition. Stadium infrastructure, incluing turnstiles and perimeter barricades, was also damaged during the skirmishes.
Police were keen to establish how nearly 5000 soccer fans remaining outside the stadium during the time the match started gained entry into the stadium by damaging infrastructure and entering.
The police urges soccer authorities to ensure stadium sitting capacity is not exceeded and tickets are pre-sold before the match to curtail stampede such as the one witnessed before the match at Chihwanda stadium,” said Nyathi.
While only four people were arrested, more are expected to be picked.
A soccer official believed to be a chied executive officer of one of the clubs was captured on video stamping a helpless soccer fan three times and soccer loving citizens hope the long and strong arm of the law brings him to book.
Zimbabweans across the country discussed the events in Kwekwe’s newly built Chahwanda stadium as barbaric and called on the soccer administration and the law to come down heavily on those caught on the wrong side of the law.
Under FIFA regulations, clubs and member associations are strictly liable for the improper conduct of their spectators, regardless of fault.
The governing rules, primarily outlined in the FIFA Disciplinary Code, mandate strict punishments for violent or disruptive fan behaviour.
According to Article 67 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, a home club is generally liable for order and security both inside and around the stadium.
Visiting clubs are similarly held strictly liable for the conduct of their own supporters.
FIFA penalizes violent or severely unethical behavior by soccer administrators, coaches, and staff under its strict FIFA Disciplinary Code and FIFA Code of Ethics.
Punishments for physical aggression, severe misconduct, and corruption include lengthy stadium bans, massive financial fines, and complete lifetime bans from football-related activities.