Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Manager, Mpilo Mbambisa, said the death of a spectator at this weekend's PSL season finale at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was in no way an indication of the
stadium's safety system.
A man in his thirties died after a shot went off when a policeman tussled with two men who tried to disarm him after spectators invaded the pitch at the end of the Kaizer Chiefs .. Chippa United clash.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Mbambisa said the stadium's safey and security record is impeccable.
"And this is why we are shocked and saddened by the news that a supporter lost his life after the match. Since the unfortunate incident after the match, my office has been in contact with the stadium management, through which we have interacted with the SAPS and all other stakeholders regarding the incident and all other related matters," he said.
Mbambisa said "at this stage, the matter is with the SAPS, and we are fully confident that they will provide clarity as to how it came about that a life was lost."
"The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality offers its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the supporters' fraternities of both Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United, and the management and staff of the PSL. Our Municipality will be personally extending our expression of condolence to the family when they arrive later today from Cape Town."
"We wish to state categorically that this weekend's incident is in no way an indication of the stadium's safety systems, of the performance of the security services, in particular the SAPS.
Along with our stakeholders, we are more than ready to host the Nedbank Cup Final on Saturday, 16th May, and encourage all football-loving fans to watch the match on Saturday. In this regard, we re-emphasise our gratitude to the PSL and Nedbank for having awarded the playing of the final in Nelson Mandela Bay," Mbambisa added.
PSL CEO, Brand de Villiers, was quoted as saying that "though there is no evidence linking the pitch invasion to the fan's death, invading soccer fields was becoming a growing concern."
The name of the man from Cape Town has not yet been released. City officials were due to meet his family on Monday.
His death is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
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