Harare City Council Sets Record Straight On Samora Machel Road Closure Ahead Of Zimbabwe-DRC Match
Harare City Council has dismissed a notice circulating on social media claiming that parts of Samora Machel Avenue will be closed ahead of Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The council said it had not made any decision to close the busy road and warned residents to disregard the purported notice.
Also Read: Harare–Bulawayo road to close as Warriors host DRC at National sports stadium
Council says road closure was never approved
In a public notice shared on its Facebook page, the City of Harare said its attention had been drawn to a statement attributed to a senior municipal police officer regarding traffic arrangements for the match at the National Sports Stadium on Monday, 28 September 2026.
According to the council, the alleged closure would likely worsen congestion, particularly for residents who rely on Samora Machel Avenue during busy periods.
The match is expected to draw large crowds and increased vehicle movement around the National Sports Stadium.
Municipal police to manage traffic
Rather than closing the road, the council said municipal police officers would be deployed to intersections around the stadium.
Officers will be stationed along Samora Machel Avenue and Solomon Mujuru Drive, formerly known as Kirkman Drive, to assist with traffic management.
Motorists have been encouraged to consider alternative routes and exercise extreme caution when travelling in the area.
The council apologised for any inconvenience that may result from the increased traffic associated with the match.
Council warns against unauthorised statements
The City of Harare urged residents to ignore the circulating notice, describing it as misleading.
It also reminded the public that only the Mayor, Town Clerk and Corporate Communications Manager are authorised to speak to the media or issue public communication on behalf of council.
The clarification comes as football fans prepare to converge at the National Sports Stadium for the Zimbabwe-DRC AFCON qualifier.
The post Samora Machel Road Will Not Be Closed For Zimbabwe-DRC Match, Harare City Council Says appeared first on iHarare News.
