Massive crush as thousands try to force their way into stadium

LAW enforcement officers and ANC marshals battled to manage the thousands of supporters who streamed to the Free State Stadium for the party’s 100th birthday rally yesterday.

In one incident, police baton-charged supporters pushing to enter one of the stadium entrances, forcing them to fall back.

Dense crowds pushed and shoved in vain at several entrances during the morning, prompting the police to use Nyala riot vehicles to block off some of the gates.

Tempers soared along with the temperature, which hit 38°C.

“This is bad organisation,” a frustrated ANC supporter complained as he tried to avoid being crushed in the press of people pushing to enter Gate 5. But marshals and police officers kept cool heads and worked hard to manage the situation as the 48 000-seat stadium rapidly filled up.

Traffic laws appeared to have been temporarily suspended across several city blocks around the stadium and adjacent overflow venues as hundreds of drivers parked their vehicles wherever an open space appeared. Scores of buses that ferried supporters to Bloemfontein from across the country lined the streets.

No serious injuries were reported, however.

Medics reported at least 20 light injuries resulting from the crush, while many people – many of them elderly – were treated for high blood pressure, dehydration, heat exhaustion and other minor complaints.

Several people complained about the poor arrangements, and some left after spending hours in long queues in the scorching heat.

Those who tried to force their way through chinks in the fences or rocking the gates were soon chased away by eagle-eyed officials.

Supporters, some of whom had been at the stadium since the crack of dawn – having slept in their cars – pleaded with roving reporters for water.

President Jacob Zuma cut a giant birthday cake decorated with the ANC colours of black, green and gold.

ANC national spokesman Jackson Mthembu said it would not be enjoyed by the ANC’S leaders, but would be donated to the needy. “This is the cake of the people and it will be eaten by the people.”