Protesting nurses charged by riot police in Zimbabwe
Doctors and nurses demonstrating run away from police in Harare while protesting against poor working conditions and unavailability of drugs, which has resulted in the collapse of the health sector. Photo: Desmond Kwande, Getty Images
RIOT police armed with batons charged doctors and nurses protesting against the collapse of Zimbabwe's health system amid an outbreak of cholera.
With the country in the grip of an epidemic -- which the United Nations said had killed 565 people -- doctors, nurses and health workers tried to present a petition at the health ministry.
But they were forcibly dispersed by the riot squad.
In a letter, the protesters said: "We are forced to work without basic health institutional needs like drugs, adequate water and sanitation, safe clothing gear, medical equipment and basic support services.
"Health workers can no longer afford to buy food and other basic goods and services."
Trade unionists protesting against the cash shortage that has crippled daily activities across the country were also charged after the authorities said that rallies would not be tolerated.
Wellington Chibebe, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, was arrested while addressing workers in the capital, Harare, along with nine others, the organisation said, while more than 30 were held around the country. The organisation said 10 of its members were "heavily assaulted" by police in Harare.
Hyperinflation is raging in Zimbabwe, with the latest official figure at 231 million per cent, but independent estimates are far higher. This means that money becomes worthless within days of being earned or paid, leading to vast queues at banks as people try to withdraw their funds.
At the same time, there are not enough notes to go around. In an attempt to tackle the shortage of money, the authorities announced that three new bank notes would be issued, with the greatest in value, the Z$100 million bill, 100 times more than the current maximum.
In recent days, soldiers have gone on rampages after being unable to obtain their earnings, attacking black-market currency dealers and looting shops. On one occasion, the soldiers were fired at by riot police.
Incidents
The authorities revealed that the incidents had been more widespread than previously thought. Sidney Sekeramayi, the defence minister, said: "A number of properties were damaged, innocent people injured, money and property stolen.
"These acts are unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal."
In a sign that Mr Mugabe's government is more concerned by the unrest than it might admit, Mr Sekeramayi added: "The coincidence of the above-stated incidents and the call for a nationwide stay-away and demonstrations raises a lot of questions."
The defence minister said soldiers who rioted over cash shortages would be arrested: "Measures are being taken that this will not happen again. These incidents are being investigated and those culpable would be brought to book." (© Daily Telegraph, London)
- Sebastien Berger in Johannesburg
