Zimbabwe stores defy government threats with shutdown

A STRIKE called by Zimbabwe’s main opposition against President Robert Mugabe kept most banks, businesses and factories shut for a third day yesterday despite official threats to punish companies that fail to open.

Police maintained tight security in the capital Harare two days after they used tear gas, clubs and warning shots to disperse thousands of opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) protesters trying to hold marches around the country.

State radio said the government was auditing which businesses were closed yesterday and would begin procedures to strip them of their licenses.

Nevertheless, most shops and factories in Harare remained shut, while only a handful of banks were open.

Some commuter transport operators put their vehicles back on the roads, albeit in small numbers.

The situation was similar in the country's second city of Bulawayo, where witnesses said officials forced some banks to open despite the fact they had little cash to dispense.

"But most shops are closed. I would say only 10% of the city is working," said one Bulawayo resident.

Harare's High Court was expected to continue hearing a bid by state lawyers to muzzle MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai as his supporters vowed to push ahead with protests that the government describes as an illegal attempt to topple Mugabe.

Prosecutors want the High Court to tighten bail conditions on Tsvangirai and two other senior MDC leaders all on trial for allegedly plotting to kill Mugabe by barring them from "inciting the public to engage in unlawful activities and illegal demonstrations".

Defence lawyers have argued the government is effectively seeking a gag order which would give it unfair political advantage over the opposition.

Tsvangirai is legally challenging Mugabe's victory in 2002 presidential elections, which both the opposition and several Western countries say were fraught with poll irregularities.

The MDC launched protests and work boycotts on Monday as a "final push" to oust the 79-year-old leader, on the grounds his rule has left Zimbabwe's economy in tatters.

The MDC said it received reports police and army officers attacked the homes of several of its councillors in Harare on Tuesday night, beating up owners.