Situation returning to normal in Harare: Zimbabwe radio

Text of report by Zimbabwean radio on 22nd January

The situation is slowly getting back to normal following violent demonstrations against increasing prices of basic food commodities in several parts of the country.

Commuter omnibuses in both Harare and Chitunguiza are operating as usual.

Some shops reopened in Harare city centre today, and in some of the high and low density suburbs of Harare.

Looted goods worth thousands of dollars have so far been recovered in Harare. In St Mary's, Chitunguiza, police have recovered goods worth 250,000 dollars.

A police spokesman told the ZBC [Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation] that 179 people were arrested in connection with the looting, and 44 of them will appear in court today.

According to statistics at the police station a total of 2.5m dollars' worth of damages and stolen property was incurred during the riots.

At Murewa Growth Point, 27 suspected food rioters have been remanded in custody by a Murewa magistrate's court. The magistrate remanded the suspects yesterday, comprising 17 women and 10 men, to 28th February for trial.

The group is alleged to have taken part in an unlawful food demonstration at Murewa Growth Point in which shop owners lost goods worth more than 104,000 dollars.

Other centres which have been affected by the demonstrations include Chitunguiza, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru, Norton, Marondera and Chegutu.

Source: ZBC radio, Harare, in English 1130 gmt 22 Jan 98

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