ZIFA Pledges Crackdown After Violent Stadium Chaos in Zvishavane
...two Injured, vehicles smashed as fans riot during Shabanie-Gwanda match
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has vowed to take swift disciplinary action and implement tighter security protocols following a violent outbreak during a Central Region Soccer League clash between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium on Sunday.
The match, which drew a crowd of 1,400 spectators, descended into chaos in the 68th minute, forcing officials to abandon play.
Stones and bottles flew, fans clashed, and two individuals were reportedly stabbed amid the bedlam.
Vehicles belonging to players and officials were also vandalized in what eyewitnesses described as a “war zone”.
“ZIFA take this matter with the utmost seriousness and has already instituted a full and independent investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this attack,” the football body said in a statement.
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“Disciplinary measures will be taken against any individuals or entities found to have contributed to or failed to prevent this regrettable incident. Violence has absolutely no place in our game.”
ZIFA added that it is working closely with law enforcement, the ZIFA Central Region leadership, club management, and community stakeholders to “restore trust and ensure accountability”.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the violence but dispelled rumours circulating online about gunshots being fired.
“We can confirm that there was an act of violence during a soccer match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane,” said Nyathi.
“There were no shots that were fired… The two victims are Simbarashe Zifungo (36) and Victor Pachawo (39), who all had their vehicles damaged.”
According to the Herald, the trigger for the chaos is believed to have been a controversial refereeing decision that saw a penalty call reversed — enraging fans and sparking violence that lasted for nearly three hours.
A furious Gwanda Pirates official laid blame squarely on the hosts: “We were ambushed like animals. Even our families seated in VIP were not spared. Stones, bottles — it was war!”
Eyewitnesses echoed this, saying, “What began as insults quickly escalated into flying missiles and ugly scenes in the stands.”
Gwanda Pirates further accused Shabanie Mine of failing to provide adequate security.
“Our media team was beaten up, their vehicle damaged and expensive equipment destroyed,” the club said. However, they denied involvement in the stabbing of two Shabanie fans.
Shabanie Mine’s officials could not be reached for comment by press time.
The Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) also issued a statement condemning the violence.
“It is sad to note that two persons were injured during the disturbances. CRSL is appalled and will take decisive action against those responsible,” it said, pledging to reinforce safety and security protocols at future matches.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and ZIFA says the public will be informed of the findings and subsequent disciplinary measures.
