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Africa

Zimbabwe Police Says Opposition Protests Will Turn Violent

Supporters raise their hands during a Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) campaign rally in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Zimbabwe's political parties made a last-ditch pitch for votes on Saturday ahead of July 30 elections as a campaign distinguished by the absence of widespread violence that marred previous contests drew to a close. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg

Zimbabwe’s police said it believes that opposition protests planned on Friday will turn violent and warned that the nation’s security services will intervene if they do.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change said Wednesday it will proceed with a demonstration in the capital, Harare, and four other cities because of the dire economic situation. The southern African nation is grappling with shortages of cash, fuel and electricity, as well as one of the world’s highest inflation rates.

Opposition activists have been mobilizing residents to join the protests and sacks with catapults have been found, the police said in a statement Thursday. All vehicles without registration numbers will be impounded, it said.

To contact the reporter on this story:
Ray Ndlovu in Johannesburg at [email protected]

To contact the editors responsible for this story:
Paul Richardson at [email protected]

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