Zimbabwean police use tear gas to disperse protesters

Zimbabwean police on Wednesday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters who marched in the capital Harare to protest against the impending introduction of bond notes and lack of jobs.

Rallied by a number of civic society organizations, the protesters marched from downtown Harare under the watchful eye of the police until they presented a petition at the office of the finance minister.

The same protesters then proceeded to the Parliament building where they wanted to present another petition but all hell broke loose when police started to beat the protesters including some journalists.

Eyewitnesses said a BBC camera person was among the journalists beaten up while his video camera was smashed and a laptop seized during the ensuing melee.

Police could not immediately comment on the incident but a Xinhua reporter observed hours later that police were still keeping a heavy presence near the Parliament building as well as on the Africa Unity Square where demonstrators usually gather.

Street protests are increasingly becoming a common feature in Zimbabwe as people voice their anger against economic hardships and lack of jobs.

As the economic challenges persist, the country is now facing banknote shortages and monetary authorities are planning to introduce bond notes in October to alleviate the cash shortages.

However, Zimbabweans have rejected the notes and want the central bank to abandon them. Endit