Two more ‘hooligans’ bust for stadium riot

TWO more alleged soccer hooligans were nabbed by police yesterday as the net tightened on members of a mob who invaded the pitch during a Nedbank Cup soccer semifinal at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium two weeks ago.

Police spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said members of the provincial task team had arrested a student and a gardener.

“Both the suspects will be appearing in the Durban Magistrate’s Court [today] on charges of public violence‚” he said.

“The first arrest is that of a 21-year-old from Newlands West, who was [allegedly] found in possession of headphones and a cordless microphone.

“The second arrest is that of a 42-year-old gardener from Hillcrest.”

This brings the total number of those arrested for the stadium bedlam to six.

Siphos’nkosi Memela‚ Sibongiseni Khumalo and Khwezilomo Madiba appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s court on charges of public violence.

Madiba was allegedly caught on camera kicking a security guard in the face, while Memela and Khumalo were seen allegedly tampering with camera equipment.

The three‚ along with Phelelani Jojisa‚ the first person arrested‚ have been released on bail.

All have been barred from attending any sporting fixture or recreational gathering until the finalisation of the court case.

Violence erupted at the stadium on April 21 after Kaizer Chiefs lost to Free State Stars.

Police and stadium security were overrun as fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game‚ heading directly for embattled Chiefs coach Steve Komphela‚ who quit immediately after the match.

The damage to the stadium and technical equipment belonging to broadcasters is said to have amounted to millions.