Ngezi Platinum Players Allege Police Assault at Rufaro Stadium in Heated Fixture

Ngezi Platinum Stars allege police assault on players at Rufaro Stadium during a tense PSL clash with Dynamos (image source)

HARARE – Tempers flared at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday after Ngezi Platinum Stars lodged an official complaint alleging that several of their players were assaulted by police officers during a tense Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash against Dynamos. The club has demanded an independent investigation and disciplinary action, accusing law enforcement of breaching match protocol and endangering player safety.

According to a statement released by Ngezi Platinum, the confrontation began when players approached match officials seeking clarification over a controversial refereeing decision. The club alleges that uniformed officers entered the playing area, confronted players and “used excessive force,” including pushing and physical handling, in what the team described as “an unnecessary and dangerous intervention.”

The PSL confirmed it had received formal reports and has summoned Ngezi Platinum’s management and technical team to appear before its Disciplinary Committee. League officials said investigations will rely on match footage, referee reports, medical assessments, and eyewitness statements. The PSL emphasised that all security personnel deployed at football events must act within strict procedural limits to safeguard the rights and safety of players, match officials, and spectators.

Ngezi’s coach and captain are expected to submit sworn statements, while the club’s legal team is considering both civil and criminal action against the officers involved. Pressure is also mounting on the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and national police leadership to clarify operational boundaries between crowd control and on-field engagement, amid growing concerns about overreach.

Spectator testimonies varied, with some fans describing the police response as “abrupt and disproportionate,” while others claimed officers acted to prevent escalation from agitated supporters. Independent analysts and former players have since urged for a transparent inquiry, warning that unchecked confrontations threaten both player welfare and Zimbabwe’s credibility as a host nation for major sporting events.

Human-rights advocates and the Zimbabwe Professional Footballers Union called on the PSL, ZIFA, and police authorities to develop modern crowd-management protocols, including mandatory de-escalation and rights training for stadium officers. They argued that stronger accountability mechanisms are needed to prevent abuse and rebuild trust between athletes and security services.

As inquiries proceed, the Disciplinary Committee’s findings are expected to set a key precedent for future handling of pitch security and police conduct at local matches. The PSL has assured stakeholders that the investigation will be transparent and concluded swiftly, while reaffirming its commitment to player safety, fair competition, and fan confidence.