HARARE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean information minister said Tuesday that three people, including a police officer, died in the protests that started Monday. The minister described the violent protests as an act of terrorism.
Monica Mutsvangwa, minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services, told a press conference that the government was very aware of the terrorism activities that were targeting the police stations with the intentions of stealing weapons for criminal activities around the country.
She added that the past two days have been characterized by well-coordinated criminal behavior to destroy properties and unleash violence on innocent citizens.
"Government urges members of the public to go about their normal day to day activities without fear as their security is guaranteed and we appeal to the public to remain calm and peaceful," she told the journalists.
At the same day, ruling party ZANU-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo blamed the opposition MDC Alliance for organizing the illegal protests.
"The current politically instigated, barbaric acts of terrorism being perpetrated by the MDC Alliance under the guise of mass protest should stop forthwith," Moyo said.
On Tuesday Morning, central streets in Harare, the capital, remained empty as people stayed at home following Monday's violence. The internet access in Harare was cut Tuesday morning.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and some civic leaders had called for a three-day shutdown following the announcement of the fuel price increases on Saturday, arguing that ordinary people were being subjected to more suffering.
