One person died while another was left injured after violence broke out during a soccer match in Midlands’s Silobela area last week, police have confirmed.
Police said the tragedy happened after soccer fans and villagers ran amok following the invasion of the pitch during a scuffle leading to the abandonment of the match. Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the two were attacked by a group of eight people with axes and machetes.
“The incident occurred at Village Matsikidze under Chief Gobo, Silobela on August 4 at around 8pm,” Mahoko said.
“At about midday on the stated date, there was a soccer tournament at Gobo Business Centre where villagers gathered to witness the event.
“The sporting event was abandoned due to a scuffle and pitch invasion by supporters.
“The eight men suspected to be behind the cases reside in the Donsa area and were part of the crowd. They were overpowered by villagers from Gobo area.”
Police have since arrested Mkhululi Ndlovu (24), Lungile Nyoni (25) Gazimulo Ndlondlo(18), Mthabisi Moyo (24) all from Sitemba village under Chief Malisa, Silobela.
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