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Hardrock CEO arrested
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested Hardrock FC chief executive officer Kudzanai Hove (44) in connection with violent disturbances that erupted during a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Dynamos FC at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on 24 May 2026.
In a brief statement, police confirmed the arrest, saying Hove was taken in as part of ongoing investigations into the incident. Authorities said further details will be released in due course.
The arrest comes after police earlier confirmed the detention of four other suspects linked to the same violence, which forced the abandonment of the match in the 80th minute while the teams were level at 1–1.
Those previously arrested include Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46), and Emmanuel Dube (50). They are accused of involvement in public disorder and violent conduct during the match.
Police say the disturbances began after missile throwing between rival supporters escalated into pitch invasions and fighting inside the stadium.
Seven supporters sustained injuries and were admitted to Kwekwe General Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Stadium infrastructure, including turnstiles and perimeter barricades, was also damaged as the violence spread across different sections of the venue.
Investigators are also examining how an estimated 5,000 supporters who were initially locked outside the stadium at kick-off later forced their way into the ground, a development believed to have worsened crowd control breakdowns.
Authorities say the congestion and security failures may have contributed significantly to the escalation of violence once sections of supporters gained entry.
The ZRP has urged football authorities, including the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association, to strictly enforce stadium capacity limits and improve pre-ticketing systems to prevent overcrowding.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi has previously warned that acts of violence, vandalism, and public disorder at sporting events will not be tolerated, adding that offenders will face the full consequences of the law.
Investigations into the Kwekwe stadium incident are ongoing.
In a brief statement, police confirmed the arrest, saying Hove was taken in as part of ongoing investigations into the incident. Authorities said further details will be released in due course.
The arrest comes after police earlier confirmed the detention of four other suspects linked to the same violence, which forced the abandonment of the match in the 80th minute while the teams were level at 1–1.
Those previously arrested include Shingirai Chivavare (34), Matthias Taderera (43), Tavakuda Nyoni (46), and Emmanuel Dube (50). They are accused of involvement in public disorder and violent conduct during the match.
Police say the disturbances began after missile throwing between rival supporters escalated into pitch invasions and fighting inside the stadium.
Seven supporters sustained injuries and were admitted to Kwekwe General Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators are also examining how an estimated 5,000 supporters who were initially locked outside the stadium at kick-off later forced their way into the ground, a development believed to have worsened crowd control breakdowns.
Authorities say the congestion and security failures may have contributed significantly to the escalation of violence once sections of supporters gained entry.
The ZRP has urged football authorities, including the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association, to strictly enforce stadium capacity limits and improve pre-ticketing systems to prevent overcrowding.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi has previously warned that acts of violence, vandalism, and public disorder at sporting events will not be tolerated, adding that offenders will face the full consequences of the law.
Investigations into the Kwekwe stadium incident are ongoing.
Source - BMetro
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