Several people have reportedly been injured as attendees jostled to see the late leader’s body.
Numerous people have reportedly been injured in a stampede at the viewing event for founding Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, as those in attendance jostled in an attempt to see the late leader’s body, SADC News has reported.
This reportedly led to police having to barricade the area and to an increased security presence at the venue. Medical workers were reportedly brought in to treat the wounded.
Prior to this, it was reported that Mugabe’s body had arrived at Rufaro Stadium in Harare where the ceremony is taking place on Thursday afternoon.
Earlier, the body was taken to Mugabe’s Harare villa, known as the Blue Roof for its blue pagoda-style structure, where family and supporters gathered to mourn.
His body has since been laid out for the public at the stadium and will later be transported to his homestead Zvimba for a wake.
Thousands are in attendance to pay tribute to the former leader.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared Mugabe a national hero after his death, indicating he should be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre monument.