Riot erupts in Zimbabwe over increase in fuel price

There was riot eruption in most parts of Zimbabwe after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in a bid to improve supplies as the country battles its worst gasoline shortages in years.

The country’s main labour federation has called for a three-day nationwide strike to express their grievances.

Soldiers were deployed at a shopping centre in Bulawayo’s township of Entumbane where protesters looted shops.

Minibusses heading to the city center were barred from entering into the other city as burning tyres and stones were used to block the main routes into town while some schools were turning away pupils fearing for their safety.

Shops closed in downtown Harare as riot police patrolled the streets and a military helicopter flew over the capital.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday night announced a more than a 100-percent rise in the price of petrol and diesel in a move he said would end fuel shortages.

“We have suffered enough,” author Philani Nyoni who was part of the protest in Bulawayo.

“The government is now aware that we are not happy with their stupid policies like the fuel price increase,” said Nyoni, calling on the president who is on a tour of Europe, to return home to “sort out things”.

Source: AFP