Mphoko shop looted as protesters burn down police, ZBC cars

By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was on Wednesday a casualty of angry protesters who burnt down a Choppies supermarket.

Mphoko is a major shareholder in the retail group.

Charity Charamba, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, confirmed the looting of Choppies.

“They (rioters) went on a rampage and looted from shops including Choppies, vendors and burnt two trucks belonging to the police and ZBC. They also destroyed a police base and stoned several cars in the city.

“We have already identified some of the culprits and we are looking for them. The conveners will also be arrested for inciting violence,” said Charamba.

Choppies managing director, Sigokoqela Mphoko, said the retail branch suffered damages.

“They broke two till points and two computers. They also looted alcohol and destroyed stock. A woman who was also shopping was beaten up. The total value is more than $12, 000,” he the managing director.

“As you know, we have a partnership with Botswana and what we are doing is to create jobs. People are also coming in to invest in the country and for this to happen, it’s a sad thing,” he added.

Unidentified rioters also set ablaze a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) news crew vehicle and a police truck.

The incidents occurred during the launch of #MyZimbabwe campaign by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) youth wing to protest a deteriorating political and economic crisis blamed on President Robert Mugabe’s government.

The launch turned riotous when police stopped a planned march by the MDC-T youths, who were violently dispersed with tear smoke and water cannon.

Anti-riot police assaulted freelance journalist, Lucy Yassin, who was covering the protest, while rioters attempted to torch a downtown police base at the Market Square commuter pick-up site.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zimbabwe) condemned the torching of the ZBC vehicle.

“MISA-Zimbabwe strongly condemns the torching of the vehicle as a gross violation of the media’s right to cover events as they unfold without any hindrance or risk to their lives as provided for and protected by the constitution,” said the media watchdog in a statement.

MISA-Zimbabwe urged journalists “to exercise extreme caution when covering violent demonstrations or potentially explosive situations”.

“MISA-Zimbabwe therefore reiterates its call for journalists to constantly refer to the safety and security manuals of the profession when entering or covering hostile situations,” added MISA-Zimbabwe. Nehanda Radio