Mourners of Robert Mugabe injured in stampede to view ex-Zimbabwe president’s body
- Crowd surges past police cordon at stadium in Harare hoping to see late leader’s face in partially open casket
- Arrangements marred by dispute between family and government over where and when Mugabe will be buried
Controversy over where and when former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe will be buried and a stampede that saw several people injured trying to view his body marred the mourning for the deceased leader on Thursday.
A crowd insisting to see Mugabe’s face in the partially opened casket surged past a police cordon, causing a crush in which several were injured at Rufaro Stadium in the capital’s poor Mbare neighbourhood where thousands had come to view his body.
“I want to see my father,” said Margaret Marisa, 63, one of those who pushed their way into the line. “I was a collaborator who supported him in the war against Rhodesia. I have supported him ever since.”
At least five people were carried away on stretchers and the severity of their injuries was not immediately clear. Others limped away or were treated by Red Cross medics on the field. Riot police later restored order, at times using batons to strike those pushing to get into the line.
Mugabe’s wife, Grace, sat on a podium to the side of the sports field where Mugabe’s casket was under a tent at the centre. The event was marked by singing and drumming of traditional songs of bereavement.