ZIMBABWE UNREST: Opposition leaders go into hiding as dissidents challenge clampdown in court

The political unrest in Zimbabwe has reportedly forced some opposition leaders to go into hiding while some dissidents have decided to challenge government clampdown in court.

The counsel for rights activist, pastor Evans Mawarire said he would seek bail at the High Court after his client was charged with subversion while another opposition leader Beatrice Mtetwa said she was unsure when the court would hear her case.

Mawarire is the most prominent of hundreds of people, also including four opposition lawmakers, detained on public order charges on Friday following violent protests last week against fuel price hike.

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Scores of Zimbabweans said the clampdown had the hallmarks of Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, a retired general who led the coup that toppled former leader Robert Mugabe in November.

But the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said Mnangagwa – nicknamed “Crocodile” during his time as a high-ranking official in Mugabe’s strong-arm administration – was similar in outlook.

“These two walk the same path, they may have a different approach from time to time but the objective is the same. They want to dismantle the MDC leadership,” MDC spokesman Jacob Mafume said, adding that several of its leaders were in hiding.

The development is coming days after the government of Zimbabwe shut down internet services again in the country over protests on 150 percent fuel price increase which has already driven transport costs sharply higher in the country.

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