Situation in Harare Very Tense

Harare, MINA – As tanks army surrounded parliamentary and presidential buildings with troops on patrol in civilian areas, the situation in Harare modal very tense.

Enock Muchinjo, a journalist in Harare, said the situation in the city was “very tense” with troops on patrol in civilian areas.

“The streets are empty and people haven’t reported to work in fear of what is happening,” he said, Al Jazeera was quoting by MINA as reporting.

In a televised address early on Wednesday morning, military spokesperson, Major General SB Moyo, said the army was seeking to “pacify a degenerating, social, and economic situation” in the country.

Muchinjo said by around 8:30AM (6:30 GMT) people had started “trickling in” to the streets, almost an hour and a half after business normally starts.

For many the first priority was to head to the banks, reflecting fears many Zimbabweans have over the impact this burgeoning crisis may have on the economy.

Martin Muradzikwa, a mobile phone shop owner in Harare, told Al Jazeera he feared clashes between soldiers and President Robert Mugabe loyalists would break out.

“I’m worried there may be running battles in town today between soldiers and President Mugabe’s supporters,” he said. “I fear for my small business, my extended family depends on it for a livelihood.” (T/RI-1/ P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)