Hundreds of people yesterday had to follow proceedings at the Independence Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium from outside the 60 000-seater stadium which had filled up just after 11am.
Apart from the President Robert Mugabes address, most people apparently went to the stadium to watch the colourful mass displays and the subsequent Uhuru soccer cup final between FC Platinum and Motor Action.
Scores of people could be seen milling around the stadium desperately trying to gain entry.
Others finally gave up and found places to sit outside the stadium to listen to the President. One of the stadium bays had apparently been reserved only for white garment donning members of the apostolic churches.
Said a police officer manning the gate to the apostolic members bay: We are simply following instructions. This bay is reserved for apostolic church members. Seen from the opposite end, the bay was a flowing sea of white robes.
Some women, apparently tired of moving around looking for an open gate, could be seen sitting outside the stadium having pre-packed meals with their children.
Pregnant women and those carrying babies, however, received preferential treatment as they were allowed in with no hassle.
In some instances, police and military officers manning the gates had to use force to keep out hordes of people trying to push their way in.
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With most of the bays filled to capacity, some enterprising individuals decided to perch precariously on top of the pillars above the bays to have a birds eyeview of proceedings.
This is what happens when people get used to things for free, said a disappointed young man who identified himself as Tonderai.
But for enterprising people like Nunurayi Masvaure, who was making sandwiches, it was time to cash in.
She said: Business is very brisk. This is what always happens when there are national events. We make a lot of money.
