/ 7 February 2011

Foreign-run stalls trashed in Zimbabwe market

Zimbabweans chanting slogans from President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF have trashed stalls owned by hawkers from elsewhere in Africa at a flea market in the capital, looting mobile phones, electrical goods and clothing.

Police dispersed the attackers on Monday and were seen making several arrests. Some of the attackers managed to escape arrest by jumping from the upper stories of the complex, and some injuries were reported.

Nigerians and others at the flea market have been the target of such violence in the past.

The unrest came during a recent upsurge in political violence in the capital ahead of elections proposed later this year. — Sapa-AP