ANGRY clashes have erupted between police and commuter transport operators in Harare’s satellite town of Ruwa, sparking an early morning transport crisis among residents.
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Zimbabwe has become increasing volatile in recent weeks with frequent protests against economic hardship and alleged government corruption. More protests are scheduled for Wednesday.
A witness saw protesters severely beating two police officers with sticks, then taking their uniforms and helmets and wearing them.
When security forced stepped in, some local residents joined the protesters and threw stones at police.
Outnumbered police later sought to negotiate with the crowds after failing to disperse thousands of protesters, who were concentrated in the eastern suburbs of Harare. Many rioters were young men who can not find regular employment and make a living from drivers by charging a small fee to load passengers into minibuses.
Commuter omnibus drivers said they are losing at least $50 a day after being ticketed by the police, who also allegedly demand bribes.
Police say they have reduced the number of roadblocks following complaints.
The southern African country is facing a cash crunch resulting in banks running out of notes.
Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa, Muleya Mwananyanda, said: “The deplorable use of force by the police against protesters amounts to human rights violations under the country’s global and domestic laws”.
At the Beitbridge border post, protests continue over Zimbabwe’s new regulation to ban various imports.
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Last month police briefly arrested 15 people, including a journalist and the brother of a missing political activist, during a public protest against Mugabe, who has always been accused of repression and human rights abuses. “The government says it will pay them on 14 July for their June salaries” he said. People have often been sent to jail for such conduct in Zimbabwe.
