In what couldturn out to be a record turnout for the country’s national birthday celebrations the giant Chinese built stadium with a capacity of 60 000 people was already filled to the brim before midday.
Scores of disappointed people had to be turned away by the security personnel.
There was a stampede at one gate after people tried to force their way through the entrance which was reserved for vehicles only and they were chased away by baton stick wielding police and military police officers.
A number of people were injured in the melee that resulted.
“The police are really giving us a hard time. Why don’t they allow people to use the gateswhich are wider and can allow more people in since this event is free of charge,” said one man who was clearly frustrated.
Another woman said she was disappointed to be going back home with her two children.
“I bring my children here for the independence celebrations for them to enjoy the entertainment that will be here such as the police acrobats and dog show and,” she said.
The entertainment was clearly a major draw card for many who were happy to watch the ever popular AlickMacheso and the various displays by the security forces.
Long queues were a permanent fixture thought the day as people were still hopeful of gaining entry with many more turning back home having been denied entry.
Some who managed to gain access into the stadium said they had to wait in line for almost two hours.
“Thank God I am in,” said one woman. “I was very close to giving up and turning back home,” she said.
“People forget what happened here a few years ago. This stadium is one event away from another disaster,” said another man referring to the incident which occurred more than a decade ago during a soccer match between Zimbabwe and South Africa in which 12 people were killed.
Another man interviewed outside the stadium said he was very disappointed because he wanted to see the President of the country, Robert Mugabe.
Those who were lucky enough to get in and thought their troubles were over got a nasty surprise on the way out as exiting the stadium proved to be even more chaotic.
As the time for the Independence Cup final between Dynamos and Highlanders got closer even more people lined up outside to watch the match creating huge problems as there were many others seeking to exit through the same gates.
The soldiers and police did not help much as they were using their authority to force their way through and creating a way for themselves and their families.
Post published in: News