Zimbabwe price rises spark riots

Kerosene used for cooking and lighting went up by 100% in September

Riot police in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, have fired tear-gas to break up protests over price rises.

Hundreds of demonstrators set fire to vehicles and put up barricades in two townships - Mabvuku and Tafara - east of the capital.

The protests began as commuters prepared to go to work and were continuing six hours later.

Five people died after similar food riots two years ago which started in Mabvuku later spread nation-wide.

Fare increases

As commuters prepared to board buses to the city centre they learned fares had gone up by 25%.

One bus was set on fire, others were stoned, and shops were vandalised.

Promised price controls have not materialised

Riot police attempted to seal off Mabvuku but protesters put up barricades of rocks, old cars, logs and refuse.

Rioters said they were protesting against increases in transport costs and rises of up to 30% on the price of bread, sugar and soft drinks which were announced on 10 October.

Economic hardships

The BBC Harare correspondent says there is deep resentment towards President Robert Mugabe in towns and cities, where many people blame him for the collapse of the economy and inflation of over 60% a year.

Zimbabwe's economy is struggling, with a foreign currency crisis, rampant inflation and continuing fuel shortages.

Public transport fares increased by up to 100% in September after the government announced fuel prices rises of about 50%.

Paraffin - used by most homes for cooking and heating - also doubled in price for the second time in two months.

During June's parliamentary election campaign, President Mugabe had promised to introduce sweeping price controls.