Zimbabwe prominent pastor arrested over protests

Authorities on Wednesday arrested Evans Mawarire, a political activist and pastor, who rose to prominence as a critic of former leader Robert Mugabe.

Mawarire’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said he was bundled into the back seat of a truck by about a dozen heavily armed police.

He was to be charged with inciting public violence, said lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa.

Wednesday is the third and final day of a national strike called in response to a steep rise in fuel prices decreed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Three people including a police officer died during violent demonstrations on Monday.

Three people including a police officer died on Monday during violent demonstrations.

Shops, banks and fast-food chains in the capital stayed closed on Wednesday, along with some government offices, and there was no public transport and little other road traffic.

Many Zimbabweans accuse Mnangagwa of failing to live up to pre-election pledges to kick-start economic growth and make a clean break with the strong-arm rule of Mugabe, who was forced out in November 2017 after 37 years in power.

Since then, the country has seen a familiar pattern of dollar shortages battering the economy, rocketing inflation that is destroying the value of their savings and the government reacting forcefully to crush dissent.

Mawarire rose to prominence in 2016 when he launched a social media movement - #ThisFlag - to encourage Zimbabweans to speak out against Mugabe policies the pastor blamed for high unemployment, widespread corruption and delays in getting salaries.

He was acquitted in 2017 on charges of public violence and disorderly conduct.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s largest mobile operator, said its internet services had been cut off following an order from the government.

Internet services were cut by mid-morning on Tuesday, leaving many people without access to social media platforms.

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told reporters on Tuesday that she was not aware of the blackout.