Thousands arrested in Zimbabwe prices crackdown

Nearly 5,000 store owners, managers and business executives have been arrested since the Zimbabwe government began its campaign to slash prices last month, state media reported today.

The Herald newspaper said that at least 23 owners and managers of shops and fuel stations had been arrested for overcharging yesterday, bringing the total to 4,926.

Zimbabwe’s government last month ordered that prices be slashed by about 50 percent to curb inflation, officially at 4,500 percent but estimated to be twice as high.

Already-scarce staple foods, fuel and many basics have disappeared completely from shelves because store owners say they can’t afford the new low prices.

President Robert Mugabe told parliament on Tuesday that his government was committed to its programme to restore “price stability”.