The stampede happened around 2pm when Mugabe arrived at the stadium.
Among the deceased was a five month old baby, who was crushed as she was strapped on her mother’s back.
Dozens of people were reported seriously injured in the incident which left some 3 metres of the stadium wall collapsed.
The number of those killed was confirmed by a police officer at the scene who said he had witnessed the incident.
“Five people including the five month old died in the stampede while several others sustained different degrees of injuries,” said the police officer on condition of anonymity.
Sources at the Chitungwiza Hospital told The Zimbabwean that, the number of the deceased had since risen to nine.
Dozens of the injured were being transferred from the local private Southmed Hospital to Chitungwiza Referral Hospital.
The Zanu (PF) rally was attended by thousands of people bussed from surrounding farms and residential suburbs around Harare.
Business in Chitungwiza was ground to a halt as people were frog marched to the campaign rally as early as 8 am.
“People converged for the rally out of fear as Zanu (PF) threatened those who would fail to attend with unspecified disciplinary action.
“The elderly were promised food handouts among other goodies at the rally,” said a resident who only identified himself as Chiku.
Several residents said President Mugabe’s party should desist from forcing people to attend its rally. “Will Mugabe and Zanu (PF) compensate enough for lives lost from the forced rally attendance?”
Mugabe is holding rallies around the country ahead of the harmonised elections scheduled for July 31.
Post published in: News
zanu is a known killer party!!!!
why is it that they are mum about the deaths? kuchekeresa vanhu kudai? manje this time haulume
Why should business close when ZANU PF is holding a rally?
is this a true account of what transapired in chi town. guys lets verify facts before publication.
is this a true account of what transapired in chi town. guys lets verify facts before publication.