Police name 19 suspects – Barbourfields violence

Police name 19 suspects – Barbourfields violence

Mako Jerera

Police have released the names of 19 people arrested in connection with the violence, which erupted during a soccer match between Dynamos and Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Sunday.

The encounter, which saw fans storming the pitch, was abruptly halted just moments before the conclusion of the first half.

All the 19 suspects were arrested between Monday and yesterday and live in Bulawayo.

In a statement, police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations to account for other suspects who were involved in the violence are still underway.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases names of 19 suspects who were arrested for public violence which erupted at Barbourfields Stadium on the 10th of September, 2023. The ZRP reiterates that investigations to account for other suspects who were involved in the violence are still underway,” said Ast Comm Nyathi.

The arrested suspects have now been identified as follows:Raymond Nkomo (25) of Makokoba, Noboth Sithole of Mzilikazi, Sylvester Gumbo (30) of Old Pumula, Shepherd Ncube (26) of BMC Mzilikazi, Wisdom Dube (30) of Nkulumane 5, Shepherd Dube (24) of Ngozi Mine, Cowdray Park, Raymond Nkomo (26) of Makokoba, Micah Masuku (49) of Makokoba, Zibusiso Nkomo ( 32) of Old Lobengula, Nelson Musengi (27) of Pelandaba West, Brian Moyo (36) of New Luveve, Willard Ncube (46) of Pumula South, Khumbulani Khumalo (49) of Sauerstown, Promise Mbambo (37) of Jabulani Flats in Makokoba, Hlakanipha Luphahla (28) of Old Pumula, Japhet Ncube (30) of Cowdray Park, Brandon Mpala (27) of Masiyephambili Flats, Ayanda Dube (33) of Old Pumula and Prince Moyo (35) of Old Pumula.

By Tuesday, at least 12 people, including a couple that was armed with a pistol, had been arrested in connection with the soccer match violence.

Of the first 12 arrested, four were arrested for criminal nuisance, six for public violence, while a couple was arrested after being found in possession of a pistol that had been brought into the stadium. The couple is facing charges of violating the Firearms Act.

At least eight people, including four police officers, were injured while three police vehicles were damaged in violence, which erupted on Sunday during the soccer match.