Beitbridge protestors accused of looting

The state media on Saturday accused Beitbridge protestors of looting during demonstration against controversial ban on imports (Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016).

According to the state run newspaper, Chronicle, "the protesters who call themselves Combined Residents' Association also allegedly destroyed a house where a member of the neighbourhood watch committee identified as 'Ma Speed' resides."

"They accused him of unleashing a reign of terror at the border post."

Beitbridge Town Council town secretary, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, told the publication that "protestors damaged council and government cars, infrastructure and traffic lights."

They also barricaded streets in Dulivhadzimu suburb, the main residential area and all roads leading to the border post with stones and burning tyres, literally imposing a "curfew" as no motorist was allowed to drive through the town.

Buses and haulage trucks carrying cargo could not cross to either side of the border.

During the demos a warehouse belonging to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority caught fire.



There were running battles between the police and the demonstrators for the better part of the day yesterday.

However, armed police are patrolling the residential area.