Bulawayo under siege

Zimbabwe police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the second city of Bulawayo yesterday, a day after the country was rocked by violent demonstrations against a sharp hike in fuel prices.

Police moved in after protesters chanted for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and as looting broke out in Bulawayo, a stronghold of opposition to the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The streets of the capital, Harare, were deserted after Monday’s demonstrations when public anger over Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis erupted.

The government more than doubled petrol prices at the weekend after months of shortages when drivers have been forced to queue for hours to fill up, while essentials such as bread and medicines have also been scarce.

In the capital Harare, most shops remained closed after Monday’s protests and minibus taxis that usually transport workers from the suburbs to the city centre were not running.

In Kuwadzana suburb, police were on patrol and forcing people off the streets.

One resident, Tawanda Mataya, said he and his 17-year-old son had been beaten by police.

“It’s so painful,” Mataya said, showing swellings on his back.

“I was standing at my gate to assess whether I could go to work when this group of police who were passing by started beating me.

“My son who heard me screaming and opened the window to see what was happening was slapped several times.”

Security Minister Owen Ncube said the security action caused “loss of life” without giving figures on the number of dead and wounded.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said 13 people had sustained gunshot wounds in and around Harare on Monday. At least 200 people were arrested during the disturbances.

Zimbabwe’s mobile phone networks and internet were partially shut down, with one industry source saying the systems had been jammed and many users complaining of limited access.

Yesterday morning the Twitter account of the ministry of information said that “public order has been restored”.

The Zimbabwe Trade Union Confederation (ZCTU) reiterated its call to strike.

“We urge workers and citizens everywhere to stay at home,” ZCTU tweeted. “Our struggle is genuine and there must be economic reforms for the poor to survive.” – AFP

I was standing at my gate when this group of police who were passing by started beating me.