Sports Ministry condemns violence, vandalism after Chahwanda Stadium chaos

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has outlined its stance following the violent scenes that forced an abrupt halt to the ill-tempered PSL match between Hard Rock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Chaos marred what was meant to be a beautiful game of football as fans filled the recently christened stadium in Kwekwe. At 1-1, the match seemed headed for a thrilling finish that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.

But an angry crowd—particularly Dynamos fans—created a high-voltage atmosphere marked by booming, venomous chants, unified booing, and ultimately a pitch invasion.

Tensions escalated after missiles, including bottles, were thrown as fans from both teams exchanged blows in full view of the cameras. Dozens were injured, and one person is reportedly fighting for their life in the Intensive Care Unit at Kwekwe General Hospital. So far, four hooligans have been arrested by The Zimbabwe Republic Police in connection with the chaotic scenes.

It was so embarrassing that the match was abandoned with over 10 minutes left to play. Both the PSL and ZIFA have issued scathing statements condemning the disgraceful scenes at the stadium. As such, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has added its voice, saying the perpetrators of violence must be brought to book.

“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is concerned by the violence that led to the abandonment of the Premier Soccer League match between Hard Rock FC and Dynamos FC at Chahwanda on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

“Such incidents threaten the safety of players, officials, and supporters, and undermine the integrity of our sport. As Government, we deplore such incidents that undermine our efforts to bring international football back into the country. We call upon soccer-loving Zimbabweans to focus on the bigger picture.

“We commend both ZIFA and PSL for their prompt response and support their ongoing efforts to promote discipline, safety, and respect in football,” reads the Ministry’s statement.

MINISTRY CONDEMNS ACTS OF VANDALISM AT CHAHWANDA STADIUM

The Ministry strongly condemned the acts of vandalism witnessed at Chahwanda Stadium, where seats were ripped off, gates torn down, turnstiles broken, and sections of the perimeter fence destroyed by Dynamos fans.

“It is vital that all stakeholders—clubs, fans, security agencies, and the community—work together to foster a culture of dialogue and collective ownership of our sporting infrastructure, which is built for both spectators and players to use.

“Sporting infrastructure is capital intensive and the result of huge sacrifice on the part of investors, both public and private. Accordingly, we must guard jealously against any form of vandalism of these facilities for the benefit of current and future generations.

“Government awaits a comprehensive report on the matter and trusts that PSL, working together with ZIFA, will ensure that this incident is never repeated.”

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