Maglas turned into a war zone

What began as a regional football match quickly descended into chaos on Sunday, as violent scenes erupted during the Central Region Soccer League encounter between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium. The match, attended by some 1,400 fans, was abandoned in the 68th minute after a violent melee broke out in the stands and spilled onto the pitch, forcing a lockdown that lasted over three hours.

The violence sparked widespread panic and social media uproar, fuelled by false reports claiming gunfire during the fracas. However, police confirmed that no shots were fired.

"We can confirm an act of violence during a soccer match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium," said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. "There were no shots fired. However, two individuals, Simbarashe Zifungo (36) and Victor Pachawo (39), were injured. Their vehicles were also damaged."

The trouble erupted after a series of controversial refereeing decisions, including a reversed penalty, enraged home supporters. Initial jeering escalated rapidly into stone-throwing, bottle hurling, and widespread pandemonium.

"We were ambushed like animals," said a Gwanda Pirates official, expressing outrage. "Even our families seated in VIP were not spared. Stones, bottles, it was war!"

The Pirates accused Shabanie Mine of failing to provide adequate security, leaving their players and officials vulnerable throughout the violent outbreak. "Our media team was beaten, their vehicle damaged, and expensive equipment destroyed," the club said in a strongly worded statement. "Shabanie Mine failed to meet basic hosting standards."

Rumours circulated on social media that Pirates striker Newman Sianchali had brandished a gun and fired shots during the chaos. The club vehemently denied these claims. "None of our players are armed. That claim is fiction, outrageous and defamatory," they said.

Disturbingly, reports emerged that two Shabanie Mine supporters were stabbed during the melee. Graphic images circulated online showing a bloodied man lying motionless inside the stadium. Gwanda Pirates denied any responsibility for these injuries.

"We are victims here," the club asserted. "Our people were pelted, insulted, forced to sit on the pitch like prisoners. Suggesting we were the aggressors is insulting."

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) condemned the violent outbreak and announced a full investigation into the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident," Zifa said in a statement. "Our heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their families. Football must be a unifying force, never a source of harm, fear, or division. What transpired is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable."

Zifa revealed urgent measures aimed at preventing a repeat of such violence, including a comprehensive review of match day security protocols, enhanced training and coordination of stewards and security personnel, tighter access control and screening at all sanctioned matches, and enforced separation of rival fans during high-risk fixtures.

The Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) also issued a strong condemnation of the violence, pledging swift disciplinary action. "It is sad to note that two people were injured," CRSL stated. "This behaviour has no place in football. The safety and well-being of players, officials, and fans remain paramount. Measures will be strengthened and the public informed of the investigation's outcome."

The aftermath of the violence saw the vandalism of Gwanda Pirates' team bus and media van, further compounding the chaos of the day.

Sunday's events have once again cast a harsh light on Zimbabwean football's longstanding challenges with crowd control, match security, and accountability, especially during volatile regional derbies such as this one.