HARARE – Disgruntled Zimbabwe national rugby team supporters stormed the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) offices on Tuesday during a meeting between the government arm and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) board led by controversial president Losson Mtongwiza.
According to a video circulating on social media, chaos erupted at the SRC offices at the National Sports Stadium.
Angry fans forcefully pushed open the door to the meeting room, chanting and singing protest slogans expressing their frustrations against the ZRU leadership.
Reports suggest the protest was caused by allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement and abuse of female national team players allegedly being committed by the ZRU leadership.
Furthermore, its widely believed the anger emanated from a recent leaked audio recording in which Mtongwiza was heard blasting the Lady Sables players over outstanding match fees.
“If you are here to be paid, don’t come again! We’re not here to pay people. If we don’t have money, we don’t owe you anything!” Mtongwiza said in the audio.
In the same audio, Mtongwiza also threatened the players with lifetime bans should they speak out or share the incident publicly.
“If you post anything, write to your friends or go to social media… we will ban you for life. Not for a year. Not two months—LIFE!” he added.
It was also revealed that ZRU charged players US$35 for green blazers worn during official duties, despite providing them with only paltry allowances.
Probably, in response to the scandal, on Saturday, the SRC summoned the ZRU board to formally clarify the nature of the allegations against its officials.
The meeting took place on Tuesday, but was reportedly disrupted after 20 minutes as protesting fans stormed the venue.
Reports suggest security personnel at the scene were forced to act swiftly, escorting SRC Director General Eltah Nengomasha and ZRU president Mtongwiza out through a back exit to avoid confrontation.
Meanwhile, the SRC is yet to issue a statement regarding the chaos or the outcome of the postponed meeting.
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