The March 31 demonstrations called by war veteran and former Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza yesterday morphed into a nationwide shutdown with businesses closed, streets emptied while learners stayed home in all the country’s major cities.
The protest, which activists hailed as a success, saw minimal activity in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and Chinhoyi, with a heavy police presence indicating the tense atmosphere.
In Harare, skirmishes erupted when anti-riot police violently dispersed protesters gathered at an open space near the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Police details fired teargas canisters to break up the crowd, sending demonstrators fleeing into nearby streets.
Witnesses reported sporadic running battles as protesters retaliated by hurling stones before being overpowered by security forces.
“They attacked us for just standing there. This government fears its people,” said one protester, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The shutdown’s impact was most visible in the eerie quiet that engulfed the usually bustling urban centres.
Most shops, markets and vending stalls were closed, while public transport stayed off the roads, fearing violence.
