Zimbabwe protests over fuel prices turn deadly

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Protests over a sudden massive hike in petrol prices in Zimbabwe turned deadly on Monday, as protesters blocked roads, and soldiers were deployed to stem the violence.

Protesters burned tyres and barricaded roads while cars were torched as demonstrations turned violent in the capital Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city.

Accusing the opposition and civil society organizations of being behind the protests, Security Minister Owen Ncube said: "Regrettably, this has resulted in the loss of life and property including injury to police officers and members of the public."

Ncube did not give numbers or the identities of the dead, but said investigations were underway.

Angry protesters barricade the main route to Zimbabwe's capital Harare from Epworth township, January 14, 2019. /VCG Photo

At least 13 people were reportedly injured in and around Harare.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the price hikes for petrol and diesel on Saturday in a bid to improve supplies as the country battles its worst gasoline shortages in a decade.

Residents in Bulawayo said police fired teargas "indiscriminately" in the city center and some residential areas.

Shops and banks pulled down their shutters in downtown Harare as riot police patrolled the streets and a military helicopter flew over the capital.

As night fell, dozens of soldiers were deployed in both cities, according local reports. Protesters turned back drivers and stopped buses from carrying passengers.

Budget airline Fastjet cancelled flights to and from Harare "due to the current unrest affecting travel on the streets of Harare".

At least 200 people have been arrested, the security minister said.

In his televised address late Saturday, Mnangagwa said the price hikes -- with petrol going up from 1.24 to 3.31 U.S. dollars per liter, and diesel from 1.36 to 3.11 dollars a liter -- were aimed at tackling a shortfall caused by increased fuel usage and "rampant" illegal trading.

The main labor alliance, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for a three-day stay-at-home strike, accusing the government of lacking empathy for the already overburdened poor.

(Top picture: People run at a protest as barricades burn during rainfall in Harare, Zimbabwe, January 14, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP