Five Arrested After Violent Clashes Abandon Hardrock vs Dynamos Match in Kwekwe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of five individuals, including the chief executive officer of Hardrock FC, following violent clashes that forced the abandonment of a heated league match against Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium. The match, played in Kwekwe on Sunday, descended into chaos in the 80th minute after supporters from both clubs allegedly invaded the pitch and engaged in violent confrontations.

Police initially confirmed the arrest of four men identified as:

• Shingirai Chivavare (34)

• Matthias Taderera (43)

• Tavakuda Nyoni (46)

• Emmanuel Dube (50)

According to authorities, supporters from both teams hurled missiles at each other before violence escalated inside the stadium.

The match was abandoned with the score tied at 1-1 after tensions flared following a controversial penalty awarded to Hardrock FC, which resulted in the home side’s equaliser. Police said seven supporters sustained injuries during the disturbances and were admitted to Kwekwe General Hospital in stable condition.

In a later development, the ZRP confirmed the arrest of Kudzanai Hove, the CEO of Hardrock FC, in connection with the violence that erupted at the stadium.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of the CEO of Hardrock FC, Kudzanai Hove (44), in connection with the violence at Chahwanda Stadium on 24/05/26. More information will be released in due course,” police said.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges being considered against Hove.

The violence reportedly caused significant damage to stadium infrastructure, including perimeter barricades and turnstiles. Police are also investigating how nearly 5,000 supporters who allegedly failed to gain entry to the stadium later forced their way inside, contributing to overcrowding and disorder. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd control, stadium safety and match-day security standards in Zimbabwean football.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) said it is awaiting official reports from match officials before making a final determination on the abandoned fixture. Both clubs have been instructed to submit written accounts of the events. The PSL warned that any individuals or clubs found guilty of misconduct would face the full extent of disciplinary penalties under league regulations.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged football clubs to strengthen crowd management measures. He recommended stricter enforcement of seating capacity limits and the introduction of pre-sold ticket systems to reduce the risk of overcrowding and stampedes.

“The public is warned against engaging in violence, vandalism or any form of public disorder, as offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Nyathi said.

The ZRP said it would engage the PSL and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to improve stadium administration and public safety ahead of future fixtures.

Hardrock vs Dynamos violence