Zimbabwe police warn citizens as fuel price protests turn violent

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned protesters that anyone caught on the wrong side of the law with face the full wrath of the law and has asked the public to identify some of the protesters whose pictures it has posted.

Some Zimbabweans turned onto the city streets today to protest against the 150 percent fuel price hike which came into effect yesterday.

The price of petrol went up from $1.34 to $3.31 while that of diesel increased from $1.26 to $3.11.

The government said 90 percent of the increase was duty which would be refundable to all genuine businesses in manufacturing, mining, agriculture and transport.

The move is meant to cushion the public from unjustified price increases but at the same time cutting the arbitrage that some people were taking advantage of.

Police said while it was the right of the citizens to demonstrate, the right should be exercised in peace.

“Acts of violence violate other people’s rights and are not acceptable,” the police said.

“We are appealing to members of the public to desist from forcing other people to participate in demos.

“Individuals have a right to choose not to participate. Barricading roads with tyres, stones and other objects and looting of shops is unlawful.

“Anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will face the full wrath thereof.”

The police warning came amid reports of looting especially at shops owned by former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.

Reports said Choppies shops in Mabvuku, Harare and Pumula in Bulawayo were looted.

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