Anti-Mugabe protests in Bulawayo
Early on Monday 16 January on the approach roads to Bulawayo from the western suburbs groups of protesters tried to turn the traffic back, away from the city. Protesters were out on the roads from 7.00 a.m. at the time when commuters are normally heading to work. On Luveve Road approaching the high density suburb of Mzilikazi protesters were attempting to block the traffic and stoning vehicles that would not stop or turn back. At the same time they were chanting slogans such as “Mugabe must go”. It is understood that the protest may have been related to a letter that was circulating covertly, urging workers to stay away from work when commerce and industry would otherwise have returned to full strength after the Christmas and New Year break.
By 2.00 pm Monday the protesters had left the streets but for the rest of that day and the day following a heavy police presence was noted in both the city centre and the western suburbs. Riot police, armed and in full combat gear, were observed patrolling the streets in large numbers.
Our enquiries have revealed that there were several other incidents of youths throwing stones at passing vehicles in the western suburbs of Bulawayo the previous week. The riot police again intervened to restore order. It is not known if any of the protesters were arrested or charged.
The state media are yet to report any of the protest incidents.
