Barbourfields ticket scam suspects arrested

A SECURITY guard and a cashier manning Gate 23 at Barbourfields Stadium were arrested over an alleged ticket recycling scam during the Chibuku Super Cup first-round clash between Chicken Inn and Highlanders on Sunday.

The matter was reported at Barbourfields Police Station, with the two suspects expected to appear in court.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive officer Rodwell Thabe confirmed the incident, saying the suspects were apprehended during routine checks by league officials and chief cashiers.

"I can confirm that during the Chibuku Super Cup between Highlanders and Chicken Inn FC, our alert PSL officials and chief cashiers, while conducting standard supervisory checks at Gate 23, apprehended a security officer who was the ticket checker and a part-time PSL cashier who is also employed at a bank, who were acting in a manner not consistent with their duties and expected conduct," Thabe said.

He said further searches and stock verification were conducted with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), after which the two were handed over to the police.

"Upon conducting further searches and stock verification procedures with the assistance of the ZRP, the pair was handed over to the police and placed on record for suspected ticket recycling and misappropriation of funds," he said.

Thabe said the suspects were still in police custody yesterday afternoon and were assisting with investigations.

"The two suspects are still in police custody assisting the ZRP with investigations," he said.

He commended PSL and club officials for their vigilance, saying the league was determined to curb theft at turnstiles, which has reportedly affected major clubs such as Dynamos and Highlanders.

"Ours is a commitment to proper procedures and dedication to maintaining integrity and order within the game," Thabe said.

According to investigations, suspicion was raised after Gate 23 was suddenly closed, with crowds beginning to swell outside the stadium.

Highlanders security officer Opar Mpofu and chief cashiers were reportedly seen engaging those manning the turnstile before police were called in.

The two suspects were subsequently taken to Barbourfields Police Station.

The cashier was allegedly found in possession of tickets considered suspicious. When questioned about the anomaly, he reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, while the sequence numbers on the tickets were allegedly not tallying.

The cashier was also reportedly found with US$120, despite having declared US$2 when he started work.

The security officer was allegedly found with US$179 and had not made any declaration when he started work.

Highlanders acting chairman Kindman Ndlovu said the matter was now in the hands of the police and PSL.

Chicken Inn spokesperson Brighton Ncube referred questions to the PSL.

"The matter is with the PSL, kindly check with them since they are the event managers," Ncube said.

The arrests come as the PSL continues efforts to tighten match-day controls and safeguard gate revenue amid concerns over ticket fraud and the alleged diversion of funds at some of the country's major football venues.