Teargas chaos at Prophet T Freddy revival

Panic and confusion gripped central Gweru on Friday night after security personnel fired teargas into crowds gathered for a revival led by Prophet T Freddy at the Alice Building.

Thousands of worshippers had converged on the city-centre venue for the Goodness and Mercy Ministries service, overwhelming the building's capacity and spilling into surrounding streets.

Witnesses said tensions rose when security guards attempted to control the swelling crowd gathered outside the entrance. Tear smoke was then deployed, triggering chaotic scenes as congregants scrambled for safety.

"The people were not violent. They just wanted to get inside," said one onlooker. "When the tear smoke was thrown, everyone started running."

Videos circulated on social media showed thick smoke billowing at the entrance while worshippers fled in different directions. Some reportedly tried to force their way into the building to escape the fumes, sparking fears of a potential stampede.

Although no injuries had been officially confirmed by the time of publication, several attendees were seen coughing and struggling to breathe after exposure to the gas.

The disruption briefly affected proceedings inside the venue. Prophet T Freddy was later seen stepping off the stage holding a wet towel, apparently impacted by smoke that had drifted into the building.

In remarks following the incident, the cleric insisted that congregants had been peaceful and suggested the use of force was unnecessary. He said internal church security had been managing the situation prior to the intervention.

Authorities had not released an official statement explaining the deployment of teargas.