Harare – A number of people were reportedly left injured after Zimbabwean riot police descended on protesters in the capital of Harare on Wednesday.
According to reports, the police used teargas and water cannons to disperse at least 100 people protesting against the central bank's plans to introduce a local version of the US dollar, commonly known as bond notes.
The protesters set out to march through the streets of the capital, towards the central bank, but were stopped by riot police who broke up the demonstration.
One man sustained deep cuts on his head from batons.
Zimbabweans fear the central bank's plan to introduce "bond notes" in October - to ease cash shortages - could open the door to rampant money printing, as happened in 2008 when inflation hit 500 billion percent, wiping out people's savings and pensions.
According to unverified reports, a journalist identified as Thomas Madhuku was among the people who were beaten up by the riot police.
This reportedly was not the first time that the police had beaten up journalists. Reports indicated that the police confiscated cameras from several journalists who were covering a demonstration in Harare last week, according to The Zimbabwean.
Pictures
Zimbabwe Riot Police show no mercy as they crush #ThisFlag #NoToBondNotes Protest.#Zim pic.twitter.com/vNpRnm42uX
— Trends Zimbabwe ™ (@TrendsZim) August 17, 2016
A citizen gets medical treatment after being beaten by police during protests earlier today. pic.twitter.com/lfURNJbvfL
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) August 17, 2016
Police beating up and dispersing protestors in Harare today. (Pic T. Mukwazhi/AP) pic.twitter.com/m36tqvQWOY
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) August 17, 2016
@ZimMediaReview I hope that officer didn't hit that lady. ??????????pic.twitter.com/XmcGgRFz0V
— M.S. Dobie (@Dobie_M) August 17, 2016
@ZimMediaReview The woman in the pink top facing the baton. #Defiance or what? ????????
— i-am Madambeef (@MariaZest1) August 17, 2016
ICYMI Police stopped @Tajamuka protest today in Harare near town house. #Tajamuka #ThisFlag @SAPST @SaharaReporters pic.twitter.com/XHoVD298Sl
— #OneZim (@OpenParlyZw) August 17, 2016Riot police deployed along Rezende in Harare @Tajamuka #Tajamuka #ThisFlag pic.twitter.com/u4Yl3vP28S
— #OneZim (@OpenParlyZw) August 17, 2016
