Police statement on Magaya stampede

By Charity Charamba

STATEMENT – The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to set the record straight on what transpired at Mbizo Stadium, Kwekwe, on November 20 2014.

Amos Muzeiwa (43) was using gas bottles to cook fast foods such as sausages and sell to the public in the stadium. The gas bottles leaked and burst as the crowd was about to leave the stadium. This contributed to the stampede which unfortunately led to the loss of life.

Police have since established that one main gate (normally used by vehicles) and a small gate were opened by Kwekwe Council officials who handed the keys to PHD Ushers.

The other two gates were locked as the keys were kept by Council authorities.

Police details who were hired by PHD Ministries had to assist the crowd to leave the stadium by opening one side of the main gate which had been closed by the church ushers.

We would also like to point out that the PHD event was a private function and police are not obliged to provide security on such activities.

All police details who were on duty on that day had no tear smoke or button sticks as had been previously alleged.

In future, when churches and other organisations plan to host such gatherings, they should consider utilising and hiring open spaces which are not confined. The open areas do not hinder the free movement of people, especially at night.

Meanwhile the identities of the deceased are as follows:

1. Ian Nkomo a male adult aged 40 NR:unknown of house Number W436, Amaveni, Kwekwe.

2. Tendekai Bafana a male juvenile aged 9 of number 327/12 Mbizo, Kwekwe.

3. Tamuka Chivasa a male juvenile aged 11 of number 7898/4 Mbizo, Kwekwe.

4. Rachel Zvinei a female juvenile aged 16 of number 951/3 Mbizo, Kwekwe.

5. Albert Ndure a male juvenile aged 13 of number 86 Section 2 Mtapa, Gweru.

6. Winnie Chikanda a female juvenile aged 12 of number 197/5 Mbizo, Kwekwe.

7. Juliet Mawere a female adult aged 55 NR:unknown of number 3067/13 Mbizo, Kwekwe.

8. Bridget Mukarati a female adult age 34 of number 4493/2 Mkoba, Gweru.

9. Cynthia Jane Katsholo a female adult aged 47 of number 3401 Extension 16, Mbizo, Kwekwe.

10. Grace Gwinji of number K10 Torwood, Redcliff

11. Shadreck Gumisidzo Kurebwa a male adult aged 59 of number 36 Mutichena Road, Rutendo, Redcliff.

Charity Charamba is the national police spokesperson. This statement was issued on Sunday.