Kaizer Chiefs face R11m lawsuit over alleged stampede injuries at FNB Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs are being sued alongside three other parties for a combined R11m after a woman claims she was injured in a crowd crush during a league match at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

The legal action names the Soweto giants, Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Minister of Police as defendants, according to documents confirmed by the woman’s lawyers.

Ms Nonhlanhla Celia Khumalo alleges she sustained injuries in a stampede during Chiefs’ Betway Premiership fixture against Sekhukhune United on 16 September 2025 – a match Amakhosi lost 3-1 at their home ground.

Her attorneys say all four parties have failed to compensate her, prompting the civil claim for damages.

Legal proceedings under way

Khumalo is represented by T Matubatuba Attorneys Inc., who confirmed to KickOff.com that formal court action has begun against the four respondents.

In a written statement, the firm said:

“We confirm that we have instituted legal proceedings against the four defendants on behalf of our client, Ms Nonhlanhla Celia Khumalo. At this stage, the summons has been issued and will be served on the respective defendants in due course, in accordance with the rules of court.

“As this matter is now sub judice, we are constrained in our ability to comment further on the merits of the case. We wish to avoid making any statements that may prejudice our client’s claim or the legal process currently under way.

“We are awaiting the defendants’ responses to the summons once service has been effected. Only after that will we be in a position to consider the next procedural steps and to take instructions from our client regarding your questions.

“We trust that you understand our position and the professional obligations that bind us in matters of this nature.”

The precise nature of Khumalo’s alleged injuries, and the detailed breakdown of the R11m claim, have not yet been made public.

Chiefs, league and authorities all cited

Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most popular clubs, are cited alongside Stadium Management South Africa – the operator of FNB Stadium – the PSL as competition organiser, and the Minister of Police, responsible for policing and public order at major events.

Together they are accused of failing in their duty of care to spectators at the high‐profile league clash.

The match, played in front of a large home crowd, ended in a 3-1 defeat for Amakhosi and reportedly saw a stampede break out during the game. Khumalo claims she was caught up in that incident and suffered harm as a result.

The case will raise fresh questions over safety and crowd management at one of the country’s flagship venues, which regularly hosts domestic football, international fixtures and major concerts.

Next steps in the case

With the summons issued, the legal process now hinges on how and when the four defendants respond.

Once the court papers have been served and replies are filed, the matter is expected to move into a phase where the parties outline their versions of events, exchange evidence and potentially engage in pre‐trial processes such as discovery or settlement talks.

None of the four respondents had publicly commented on the claim at the time of publication.

The case comes against the backdrop of periodic concerns about stadium safety in South African football, particularly at high‐attendance matches involving major clubs.

FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is the country’s largest football venue and was the centrepiece arena for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The outcome of Khumalo’s lawsuit could have wider implications for how responsibility is allocated between clubs, stadium operators, league authorities and the police when supporters are injured at major sporting events.