Police, protesters violently clash in Zimbabwe

Police in Zimbabwe have resorted to tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of opposition activists protesting against police brutality in the South African country.

Around 200 supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, took to the streets of the capital, Harare, on Wednesday.

However, the peaceful demonstration turned violent when riot police intervened, firing warning shots and clashing with the protesters.

Some of the protesters raided a supermarket owned by the country’s vice president and torched a car belonging to the national Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

“Violence broke out when people retaliated to police beatings by throwing stones at riot police,” said an eyewitness. “I saw police beating protesters and firing teargas and water cannons.”

Police in Zimbabwe usually use force to break up demonstrations, beating up people and reporters covering protests. 

At least one journalist sustained injures in police beatings on Wednesday.

Back in July, multiple anti-government protests and strikes against the economic crisis in Zimbabwe nearly brought normal life to a halt.

SS