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.