Police arrest son of ex-ZIPRA commander Mangena for gun incident at school rugby game

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER

Lotshe Mangena (right) pose with a relative at a function in this file picture.

HARARE – The parent who brandished a gun and allegedly assaulted a schoolboy rugby player at Eaglesvale High School in Harare on Saturday has been identified as the son of the late Zimbabwean nationalist and distinguished soldier Alfred Nikita Mangena, who was a ZIPRA commander.  

Lotshe Mangena, a parent at the upmarket Bulawayo private all-boys school Christian Brothers College (CBC), was reportedly incensed by taunts directed by players of the hosts and opposing Eaglesvale, causing him to storm the field when the final whistle blown.

The 50-year-old parent, in an uncontrollable fit of anger, is said to have manhandled a player and threateningly produced a firearm.

Read a police statement: “Reference is made to our message on X platform regarding a firearm incident and Assault case which occurred at Eaglesvale College (sic), Harare on 13/06/2026 during a rugby match between Christian Brothers College (CBC) and Eaglesvale College. The ZRP confirms the arrest of Lotshe Yuri Rodgers Mangena (50) for assault and pointing a firearm. The suspect has since appeared before Harare Magistrate Court. Meanwhile, the ZRP has since seized the firearm from the suspect.”

Incidents of parents emotionally investing heavily into their children’s sporting activities, especially in rugby, are rife in Zimbabwe and other established rugby-playing nations.

In some cases, police have had to be involved and action taken against the errant parents.

The Eaglesvale incident, however, has sent shivers down spines of families as such frightening and overzealous actions may lead to tragedy just over a sporting activity involving schools.