Police deny that tear gas was used at Prophet Magaya crusade

Police, late Friday, denied reports that teargas was fired into crowds of worshippers at a prayer rally in central Zimbabwe, causing a stampede that left 11 dead and 40 injured.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa told state ZBC radio that police used force, but not teargas, early Friday morning to try to push back crowds trampling people who were trying to leave Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe at the end of a crusade.

"The problem started when the congregants were moving out – as those in the front started tripping due to pressure from other people who were also trying to exit the stadium," ZBC quoted Mubaiwa as saying.

"Police at the main gate used force to control the crowds as they wanted to rescue those who had fallen on the ground," the report said.

Public outrage has been mounting at the way the police allegedly handled the 15,000 or so worshippers attending a rally led by popular local prophet Walter Magaya.

First reports - and state media - say police fired teargas into the crowds.

The stadium has a holding capacity of just 7000.