Riot police storm Bosso offices
By Sikhumbuzo Moyo
BULAWAYO – Seventeen anti-riot police officers yesterday stormed the Highlanders FC offices along Robert Mugabe Way in Bulawayo in anticipation of a demonstration by disgruntled club supporters over the team’s poor run.
The poor performances have seen Bosso registering just one win and five losses in the last half a dozen games they played.
Messages had circulated on social media platforms on Wednesday urging fans to gather for a peaceful demonstration against the club’s hierarchy during the weekly Thursday Press conference just after midday. Police sources had also indicated that permission to demonstrate at the club’s offices had been sought in accordance with the law.
The cops stormed the office yard soon after about 10 journalists had entered the premises for the club’s weekly Press briefing. Fifteen of the anti-riot police details were in full gear while the other two in civilian attire were already inside the offices when journalists arrived.
They were met at the office entrance by Bosso chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede who was leaving for lunch.
The cops then drove off in the direction of the club house at the corner of Fife Street and Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue after a brief conversation with Gumede. Journalists from various media houses were in the club’s boardroom with technical director Cosmas Zulu, head coach Amin Soma-Phiri and treasurer Donald Ndebele.
Highlanders are going through one of its worst spells in two decades. Asked whether he would heed calls by supporters to step down, club treasurer Ndebele said while the fans had every right to raise their complaints and even demonstrate if they feel things were not going well, Highlanders had proper laid down procedures that need to be followed.
“Our members know the correct route to take if they want certain action to be taken. We have a registered constitution which defines clearly what needs to be done. Members know what the constitution says,” said Ndebele.
He said there was a need for every concerned Bosso supporter to be on the lookout for non-Highlanders people, who would take joy in watching the club plunging into chaos.
“What people should know is that we take no joy and neither are we proud with what is happening on the field of play,” said Ndebele. The Chronicle
