HARARE - Armed anti-riot police patrolled the streets of Harare on Sunday as tension gripped the crisis-hit southern African country after a weekend of public demonstrations to demand a new constitution and to protest against senate elections at the month-end.
Zimbabwe is also on the edge after the powerful Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) announced at the weekend that its more than 300 000 members will tomorrow stage public demonstrations against worsening economic hardships and plummeting conditions of living for workers.
The ZCTU said it was taking to the streets after efforts at dialogue with the government flopped. The ZCTU protests are planned for the five biggest cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena would not disclose the reasons for increased armed police patrols in Harare saying he could not discuss security matters with the Press.
On Saturday, police used teargas to break up protests in the five major cities by members of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) civic alliance, which campaigns for a new and democratic constitution for Zimbabwe.
The NCA, which brings together the ZCTU, churches, students, opposition political parties, women's organisations, human and civil rights groups, also opposes elections set for November 26 to create a new senate, saying the government should instead first allow a people-driven constitutional reform process to take place before it can establish the senate.
Twelve members of the NCA who were arrested by the police on Saturday are expected to appear in court today facing charges of allegedly taking part in an illegal demonstration and of assaulting a policeman.
Under the government's draconian Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Zimbabweans are barred from gathering in groups of three or more to discuss politics or hold public demonstrations without first seeking police permission.
Bvudzijena said: "We have some NCA members we arrested on Saturday and they are likely to appear in court on Monday for breaching POSA."
NCA spokeswoman Jessie Majome denied members of her group assaulted police saying the police officer allegedly beaten up by demonstrators might have injured himself when he fell while chasing after the protestors.
She said: "We were demonstrating in town and maybe the police officer might have fallen down while trying to arrest us for peacefully demonstrating."
Meanwhile, state radio last night alleged that the NCA demonstrators also petrol-bombed a police post in central Harare, injuring a police officer. It was not possible to reach Bvudzijena or Majome for comment on the radio claims. - ZimOnline