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PSL appoints Senior Counsel to investigate stampede

Cape Town - The Premier Soccer League has appointed a Senior counsel to investigate the loss of life that occurred at the FNB Stadium during the Carling Black Label Champions Cup.

The stampede happened minutes before Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs before kick off and according to reports, many people were unaware of what had happened as the match went underway.

Advocate Vincent Maleka has been named to head an investigation into the events which led to two supporters losing their lives - with others injured due to a stampede before kick off during the Soweto derby.

A statement by the PSL read:

The Executive Committee of the Premier Soccer League has resolved to appoint Advocate Vincent Maleka SC to conduct an investigation into events that led to the tragic fatalities and injuries at the at the Carling Cup fixture between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday 29 July 2017.

  • The League, affected clubs, service providers, sponsors, supporters, the South African Police Service and all other role players will provide all possible assistance to enable Advocate Maleka SC in performing his task.
  • The League will ensure that the matter is dealt with expeditiously and properly.
  • The League wishes to offer its condolences to the families of the bereaved and a speedy recovery to the injured.
  • The League will not make any further comments on the matter until the investigation has been completed, the PSL concluded.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates held a joint-media briefing where Buccaneers chairperson, Irvin Khoza confirmed that an independent inquiry would be set up to initiate a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

"It's important that a joint investigation that is fair and impartial needs to be initiated on the events that occurred,” Khoza said.

"We are asking now for patience to investigate all the facts to see what preventative steps could have been taken."

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