Two suspects due in court following Moses Mabhida Stadium pitch invasion
KwaZulu-Natal police say two suspects are due in the Durban Magistrate’s
Court tomorrow following last night’s shocking scenes at the city’s iconic
Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Angry supporters stormed the pitch after Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-0 to Free State Stars in the first semi-final of the Nedbank Cup.
Scores of people, many wearing Kaizer Chiefs colours, invaded the field after the final whistle, forcing the players to run for the safety of the stadium dressing rooms.
Several fires were lit in the stands, while television cameras and other equipment were also damaged.
Security guards were also assaulted, with shocking footage of a guard being kicked in the head shared widely on social media.
A heavy police presence was required to calm the situation and an armoured vehicle had to be brought into the stadium.
SAPS spokesperson Nqobile Gwala says the suspects, aged 27 and 33-years, will appear on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.
Gwala says investigations are continuing.
She says more arrests are imminent.
The violent pitch invasion spilled into Umgeni Road where further protest action erupted last night.
Authorities had to close a section of the road in the vicinity of the stadium and urged motorists to bypass the area.
Kaizer Chiefs also announced after the match that Steve Komphela had resigned as head coach with immediate effect.