Zimbabwe protest leaders attacked ahead of 'mega rally'

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – At least eight protest leaders in Zimbabwe were attacked by unknown assailants on Friday ahead of a huge "anti-bond notes" demonstration scheduled to take place in the capital Harare.

According to the victims, shots were fired before they were assaulted and had two cars burnt near Mufakose, a high-density township in the capital.

Sylvanos Mudzvova, one of the protest leaders, told Anadolu Agency four of his associates had been hospitalized.

He said he believed those behind the attack were state security agents.

One of the four currently receiving treatment is Patson Dzamara, younger brother of missing journalist-cum-activist Itai Dzamara who was abducted on 9 March 2015 after calling on long-time ruler Robert Mugabe to resign after 36 years.

Following Friday’s attack, the mega protest meant for Friday morning was rescheduled for the afternoon.

Police refused to comment, claiming no knowledge of the attack.

Following an announcement this year that the Zimbabwean authorities were planning to introduce bond notes as a measure meant to cure a biting cash crunch, sporadic protests having been taking place.

Zimbabweans feel the introduction of bond notes would be another way of introducing the local currency that was abandoned in 2009, due to a record inflation record of 500 billion percent.