Picture of the Week: Woman climbs on back of policeman
If we were to pick a picture that summarises the anger and desperation felt by many Zimbabweans right now, this picture tells a thousand stories.
Zimbabwe has witnessed pockets of violent protests in recent days.
Beitbridge residents late last week staged angry demonstrations against a government ban on some imported items, burning a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) rented warehouse, sealing off the border post and blockading roads.
As citizen anger rises against President Robert Mugabe’s government which is currently cash strapped and is struggling to pay civil servants, the pop corn protests surfaced in Harare’s southeastern suburbs early Monday morning.
Public transport operators were locked in running battles with anti-riot police for hours as protesters were joined by residents demonstrated against the swamping roadblocks where traffic cops are being accused of extorting motorists.
Riots broke out in Epworth, Hatfield, Mabvuku-Tafara and Ruwa. The riots lasted hours as the police struggled to contain the rioters, who fought back.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) retaliated to yesterday’s protests in south-eastern suburbs by storming houses at night and severely assaulting residents.
Police last night reportedly returned for door-to-door searches of houses in Epworth and some parts of Mabvuku and Tafara.
“They shouted that all the houses must be left open and those who defied orders were rounded up and severely assaulted.
“They were accused of having taken part in the protests on Monday and some were arrested while others sustained serious injuries,” said a councillor from Epworth.
He added that many people, particularly those known for opposition political activism in the area, fled their homes fearing for their lives.
Three truckloads of anti-riot police were deployed in Epworth alone, said another resident of the suburb which is a political hotbed.
Other residents said police fired their rifles in the air during the night raids.
They, however, said they had not seen any army deployments even though there was talk of an impending military clampdown in restless areas. Nehanda Radio
