Violent Dembare demands independent inquiry into Chahwanda chaos

Dynamos Football Club has called on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the violence and crowd disturbances that led to the abandonment of its Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Hardrock FC at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on May 24.

The match descended into chaos as hooliganism erupted in the stands, leaving dozens of supporters injured and causing extensive damage to stadium property, including the destruction of bucket seats.

The PSL has since summoned both clubs to appear before its disciplinary committee, which has been furnished with reports from match referee Mhaka Magare and match commissioner Ruzive Ruzive.

However, Dynamos have expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the matter is being handled, arguing that the available evidence is insufficient to determine responsibility for the disturbances.

In a letter addressed to PSL chief executive officer Rodwell Thabe, Dynamos CEO Desmond Bvute formally rejected the charges levelled against the club and called for an independent investigation before any disciplinary action is taken.

"We categorically deny all allegations levelled against the club," wrote Bvute.

"We further submit that the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the match warrant a comprehensive and impartial investigation before any disciplinary proceedings can be fairly undertaken."

Bvute said the club was concerned that the PSL appeared to be relying solely on reports submitted by the referee and match commissioner.

"Any disciplinary process founded on selective evidence cannot be regarded as complete or fair," he said.

The club also argued that the issues at the centre of the case involve specialised matters such as stadium security, crowd management and emergency response systems, areas that require expert evaluation.

"The allegations concern issues of safety, security management, crowd control and stadium operations. While the referee and match commissioner perform important matchday functions, neither possesses the specialist expertise required to make definitive assessments regarding security failures, crowd management protocols or emergency response measures," Bvute said.

Dynamos further warned that proceeding with disciplinary hearings before a full investigation risks creating the impression that conclusions have already been reached.

"An independent Board of Inquiry is therefore necessary to establish the facts objectively and ensure that all parties receive a fair hearing in accordance with the principles of natural justice," he said.

The Harare giants also highlighted the plight of supporters injured during the disturbances, revealing that one fan remains hospitalised in intensive care.

"Dynamos Football Club is deeply concerned that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated while one of our supporters remains hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit following serious injuries sustained during the disturbances at Chahwanda Stadium," Bvute said.

"The welfare and safety of supporters should be of paramount concern to all football stakeholders."

He described the events at Chahwanda as a matter that extends beyond football regulations and touches directly on spectator safety and the duty of care owed to supporters.

"We believe that a thorough, transparent and independent inquiry is the most appropriate course of action before any disciplinary determination is made," he said.

While reaffirming the club's commitment to upholding the integrity of the game, Bvute warned that Dynamos could not participate in a process it viewed as unfair.

"We reserve all our rights and cannot participate in a process that appears to be based on incomplete evidence and predetermined conclusions," he said.

The violence at Chahwanda has reignited concerns over crowd safety in Zimbabwean football and revived memories of the country's worst football tragedy, the July 9, 2000 disaster at the National Sports Stadium, where 13 supporters lost their lives during a World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The PSL is yet to publicly respond to Dynamos' request for an independent inquiry.