By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said it will soon issue a comprehensive statement over crowd trouble that resulted in several supporters injuries, some seriously, in a football between Hardrock FC at home against Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.
Several Dynamos supporters were injured, some seriously after they were hit by missiles and physically assaulted by an army of savagely behaved Hardrock supporters who invaded the pitch to follow their opponents team supporters who fled for safety.
“We are waiting for a report from the Midlands and we will issue a statement,” National Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in an interview with Ziyah News Network.
On Monday the Zimbabwe’ Football Association appealed for calm asking all relevant parties to allow due processes.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association notes with serious concern the incidents of violence and misconduct that led to the abandonment of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday, 24 May 2026,” Zifa said.
“ZIFA strongly condemns all forms of violence, intimidation and disorder at football matches. Football must remain a safe, family-friendly and unifying space for players, officials, supporters, partners and all stakeholders who continue to invest their time, resources and passion into the growth of the game.”
The Association supports the Premier Soccer League’s decision to await the full reports from the match officials and the clubs involved before the matter is determined in line with the applicable rules and regulations. It is important that due process is followed and that those found responsible for any acts of misconduct face the appropriate sanctions, it said.
“ZIFA wishes to make it clear that there is no place for violence in Zimbabwean football. The progress being made to rebuild confidence in the national game must be protected by all who love football. Supporters are encouraged to back their teams with passion, pride and discipline, while clubs are reminded of their responsibility to help promote order, safety and respect at match venues.”
Zifa said it will continue working with the PSL, clubs, security authorities and other football stakeholders to strengthen matchday safety and ensure that football remains a source of national unity, entertainment and pride.
On Sunday the PSL issued a post match statement confirming the match had been abandoned after crowd trouble following a disputed penalty awarded in what appears a strange decision on a player who was falling.
PSL communications and Media Liaison officer Kudzai Bare said they were waiting for a report from match officials and the two clubs.
Bare said the PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct at its events threatening full extent of the prescribed penalties on those found guilty.
Videos captured showed subdued Dynamos supporters under attack at several spots where some risked being killed by mobs donning Hardrock replica jerseys.
The almost inhuman attacks showed poor crowd control and lack of adequate police for a match of such a magnitude.
The amount of missiles including large stones used against Dynamos supporters exhibit preconcieved violent conduct in the match of the emerging giants and traditionally the biggest club in Zimbabwe.
Several Dynamos supporters were treated and discharged in Gweru Provincial Hospital where some are reportedly in the intensive care units.
Some fans have called for the sanctioning of Hardrock whose history prior to promotion has been visited and found unclean.
Some supporters in the Central Region claimed Hardrock bouncers were trouble happy and had started similar scenes at Bata Stadium in 2025 prior to their controversial promotion.
A list of Dynamos fans injured was yesterday circulated as they got attention at Kwekwe General Hospital:-
1Lazy Manhenda HKD head injury discharged
2 Tatenda Nhete Harare chapter, head injury discharged but needs treatment
3 Peter Murenzve Harare chapter head injury admitted
4 Cynthia Mutetwa Kwekwe chapter, back injury discharged
5 Wayne Mhene head and body injury admitted
6 Gift Shawn HKD facial injury, discharged
7 Prince Gota Harare chapter, head and body injury, admitted
8 Taurai Makano Gokwe facial injury, being assessed
9 Milos Nota Kwekwe, head and body injury, admitted
10 Clepas Mudzviti Kwekwe chapter facial and head injury, being assessed
11 Gift Mlambo Kwekwe chapter, head and facial injury
12 Innocent Zinyoka Gokwe Head and body injury
13 Norah Shamhu Gweru Finest Chapter head and body injury, ICU
14 Edson Zhombe resident head and facial injury,