MDC-T youths in anti-Mugabe protests in Harare

Hundreds of youths from the MDC-T gathered in central Harare on Thursday to protest against the government of President Robert Mugabe, blaming him for failing to create jobs or improve the economy.

There was tension in the capital as heavily armed riot police with water cannons patrolled the streets, as opposition youths denounced the ruling party for its bad governance that is threatening political stability in the country.

The riot police kept a close watch on the protesters and attempted to block them from marching. There were no cases of violence reported.

SW Radio correspondent Simon Muchemwa told us the police have however told the organisers of the protest to report to the law and order section of the charge office to answer to charges of organising an illegal demonstration.

'I understand the police have sent text messages to Clifford Hlatshwayo and three other youth leaders, to hand themselves in to the police as soon as possible,' Muchemwa said.

The youth leaders addressed the protesters outside Harvest House, during the launch of what they are calling a 'program of action'. These are to be protests around the country against the failure of the Mugabe regime to manage the economy.

The youth leaders also said the national crisis is a result of the rigging of last year's elections by Zanu-PF.