In Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, a significant incident unfolded when a police force's decision to utilize tear gas on a large crowd led to a deadly stampede. The crowd had gathered, reportedly for a celebration that attracted hundreds. As tensions rose and police moved in to disperse what they perceived as an unruly gathering, the use of tear gas sparked panic among the attendees. People rushed to escape the effects of the gas, leading to a catastrophic crush that left at least eleven people dead and over forty others injured. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as individuals fell to the ground, unable to breathe and struggling against those trying to flee. The local authorities were criticized for their heavy-handed approach, especially since the gathering was intended as a peaceful occasion.

This tragic event has drawn attention to the broader issues of public safety and police-community relations in Zimbabwe. Observers noted that such incidents are not unique; the relationship between law enforcement and citizens has often been marked by mistrust and fear. In the aftermath, local communities called for an inquiry into the events that transpired, pushing for accountability and change in how police handle large gatherings. Furthermore, this incident underscored the need for better training and protocols for crowd management and the use of force in policing operations to prevent such occurrences in the future.