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Herald Reporter
About 70 rowdy MDC-T youths caused chaos in Harare on Wednesday morning as they demonstrated against the Government, accusing it of failing to create employment for them.
This prompted anti-riot police to intervene to restore order.

Legislators for Mabvuku-Tafara Mr James Maridadi, Mr Eric Murayi (Highfield East) and journalist Andrieson Manyere were also caught up in the fracas.

Sources said the three were picked up by the police, questioned and later released, while the fate of the 70 youths could not be established at the time of writing.

The youths, wielding placards at Town House and Joina City, were singing party songs that denigrated President Mugabe and Government, disrupted traffic flow and endangered innocent people’s lives.

The youths claimed they wanted to present a petition to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Cde Jacob Mudenda, demanding jobs.

Two entrances at Joina City complex were closed as the youths sought refuge in the basement and shops nearby, disrupting business.
Mr Maridadi said he was held briefly before being released.

“I am not even sure why they arrested me unless walking in the streets of the city is now a crime. I did not have anything to do with the demo although I was aware of their (youths) activities. I just happened to be in the vicinity hence became a victim.”

In a statement on Wednesday night, police said they just dispersed the MDC-T youths.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm that 70 MDC-T activists were dispersed by police in Harare after a failed attempt to engage in an unsanctioned demonstration which saw them blocking traffic.

“The unruly and drunk MDC-T elements were blocking traffic in the Harare CBD and throwing stones at the public and police.”

Chief Supt Nyathi said police would not tolerate unsanctioned demonstrations by intoxicated youths.

“Police will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of the law in dealing with malcontents who impinge on other innocent people’s rights to move freely. It is also disturbing to note that some of the youths involved were influenced through offers to get drunk and engage in unlawful acts,” he said.

The demonstration comes barely two weeks after other MDC-T activists were also dispersed by police, resulted in the arrest of a local journalist.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said despite the arrests, the youths would escalate their demonstrations until their grievances were heard.

“Our youths were demonstrating for jobs in terms of Section 59 of the Constitution that gives them freedom to demonstrate. They have been unemployed for a long time and intended to present a petition to the Speaker of Parliament,” said.