zimbabwe latest news

A police officer removes tyres set by protesters during a “stay-away” demonstration against the doubling of fuel prices on January 14, 2019 in Emakhandeni township, Bulawayo. – Zimbabwe’s President on January 12 announced a more than 100 percent rise in the price of petrol and diesel in a move to improve supplies as the country struggles with its worst fuel shortages in a decade. In the city of Bulawayo, demonstrators attacked minibuses heading to the city centre and used burning tyres and stones to block the main routes into town. (Photo by Zinyange AUNTONY / AFP)

“It wasn’t us, our uniforms were stolen” – Zimbabwe cops deny killing citizens

It’s an excuse that very few people are buying. But the police force and the army say they are not at fault for the death of 12 civilians in the Zimbabwe protests.

zimbabwe latest news

A police officer removes tyres set by protesters during a “stay-away” demonstration against the doubling of fuel prices on January 14, 2019 in Emakhandeni township, Bulawayo. – Zimbabwe’s President on January 12 announced a more than 100 percent rise in the price of petrol and diesel in a move to improve supplies as the country struggles with its worst fuel shortages in a decade. In the city of Bulawayo, demonstrators attacked minibuses heading to the city centre and used burning tyres and stones to block the main routes into town. (Photo by Zinyange AUNTONY / AFP)

Zimbabwe has had to endure one of its worst weeks in recent memory after protests over an extortionate rise in fuel prices turned violent across the country. Around 12 people are estimated to have been killed by the authorities – but neither the army nor the police will take responsibility.

Zimbabwe army issue response to civilian killings

Speaking at a joint press conference to international media on Saturday, representatives for both forms of authority addressed reporters without allowing any room for questions. As eNCA report, they said that some civilians had managed to steal their uniforms, and acted as “rogue cops and soldiers” during the unrest.

Where they got these clothes from, how they were able to steal them, and why the government waited six days before putting this statement out are some of the burning issues that need addressing, Alas, we’ll be left wanting. Political commentators took to social media to dispute the announcement:

Zimbabweans irate with internet block

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been out of the country for the last seven days, attending various international engagements. His lack of leadership at such a crucial time has been questioned, and it lead to a blanket abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe.

Internet access was cut off in all major cities as the government attempted to crack-down on the information being leaked to the international community. A court order has since lifted that ban, but social media platforms – including WhatsApp – remain restricted.