Fan Dies in Stampede During African Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
A fan died in a stampede outside Zimbabwe's National Sports Stadium during an African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident occurred when a police water cannon vehicle, described as Israeli-made, moved towards a crowd attempting to force entry, leading to a crush where one fan fell and was fatally run over. As a consequence, the Confederation of African Football has ordered Zimbabwe's next home match to be played without spectators.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A fan died in a stampede outside a football stadium in Zimbabwe during an African Cup of Nations qualifier.
- The incident involved a police water cannon vehicle, described as Israeli-made, and a crowd attempting to force entry.
- One fan fell and was run over by the vehicle amidst the ensuing crush.
- Zimbabwe's next home match in November will be played without spectators as a penalty.
- The stadium had recently reopened after extensive renovations.
A tragic incident occurred during a match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers last Monday, resulting in the death of a fan. Reports from Zimbabwe indicate that the fan's death was caused by a stampede outside the stadium, which arose from heavy congestion and strict security checks at the entrance. As a group of fans attempted to push their way inside, a police vehicle used for crowd dispersal, described by Zimbabwean sources as an "Israeli-made water cannon truck," accelerated towards the area while deploying its water cannon.
Amidst the ensuing crush, one fan fell and was run over by the vehicle. Police stated the death occurred during a "panic rush." Video footage shows the vehicle moving rapidly toward Gate 2, where individuals were reportedly trying to force their way in. The vehicle, intended for crowd dispersal via high-pressure water, appeared to drive towards the crowd while the water cannon was active.
This was Zimbabwe's first match at its National Sports Stadium in five years, following extensive renovations that led to its recertification. While local police have pledged an "objective and comprehensive investigation," the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that Zimbabwe's next home game, against Equatorial Guinea in November, will be played behind closed doors. This decision serves as a penalty for the tragic event and also follows an incident where fans invaded the pitch after the match concluded.
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