By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested 12 suspects in connection with the violence that occured at Barbourfields Stadium, Bulawayo during a Dynamos-Highlanders league match on Sunday.
Dynamos was leading 2-0 when Highlanders fans in the 37th minute erupted to a referee’s decision to continue play after an alleged foul on a Highlanders player in the Dynamos box.
With the referee waving for continuation of play, the irate fans responded with throwing missiles before invading the pitch.
The riot police had a torrid time trying to intercept the charging crowd which at some point forced the cops to retreat and take refuge in the dressing rooms.
The police chose to retreat instead of using tearsmoke as a dispersal method, which could have caused a stampede and led to more injuries even fatalities. Eight people, including four police officers were injured.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the public violence which occurred at Barbourfields Stadium on September 10, 2023.”
Police also confirmed that six individuals were apprehended for public violence, while four are in custody for criminal nuisance and two have been arrested in connection with contravening the Firearms Act.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the public that full-scale investigations are in progress to account for all suspects who were involved in the violence,” Nyathi said.
Highlanders has since issued a statement, apologizing to stakeholders for the mayhem.
