Military

DATE=6/2/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ZIMBABWE / SCENE (L UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-303909

BYLINE= TENDAI MAPHOSA

DATELINE=HARARE

CONTENT=

/// UPDATES 2-303891. SEE ALSO COMPANION PIECE BY THORNYCROFT (2-303901) ///

INTRO: Planned protest marches into the city centers of Zimbabwe did not materialize as planned in Monday due to a heavy police presence. But as Tendai Maphosa reports from Harare, a general strike brought business to a halt in most urban centers of the country.

TEXT: The security forces blocked attempts by protesters to march into Harare city center. And the police beat up some people who made it into the center, allegedly because they assembled illegally.

Opposition spokesman Nkanyiso Maqeda says one person was shot in the leg in the Harare suburb of Highfields when police broke up a crowd. Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said police only fired into the air.

Mr. Bvudzijena said security forces arrested about 180 people around the country.

The opposition mayor of the second largest city, Bulawayo, was reported to be one of them. In addition, five opposition members of parliament were also reported to be in police custody. Mr. Bvudzijena also confirmed that the University of Zimbabwe has been cordoned off to contain what he called a rowdy group of students. Police and army personnel assaulted many students.

Assistant Police Commissioner Bvudzijena said the heavy police presence on the streets is "to ensure that there is peace" and he said "the objective has to be achieved." He added that the deployment of the police is meant to reassure those who want to go about their daily business that they can do so without fear.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change has issued a statement urging people to continue with the strike and to demonstrate in their neighborhoods while party leaders decide on what steps to take next. (Signed)

NEB/TM/AWP/KBK/RH