The Government has launched an investigation into the death of a football fan following an incident at the National Sports Stadium where fans broke down a gate while attempting to gain entry into the stadium through unauthorised means.
In a condolence statement, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe said the incident occurred after fans broke down a gate in an attempt to enter the stadium, resulting in efforts to disperse the crowd.
“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,” the minister said.
Sanyatwe conveyed condolences to the deceased’s family, relatives, friends and the wider Warriors family, saying the loss had affected the sporting fraternity.
“The loss of a life in the pursuit of supporting our beloved game is a tragedy that has shaken us all,” he said.
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The minister also confirmed that some fans were injured during the incident and said 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,” Sanyatwe said.
He said Government was working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sports and Recreation Commission and ZIFA to establish what caused the incident.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is working flat out with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sports and Recreation Commission and ZIFA to ensure that this incident is fully and thoroughly investigated to establish the cause of this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Sanyatwe said the investigation was also aimed at preventing a recurrence at sporting venues.
“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,” he said.
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