- Title: ZIMBABWE: Bishop Abel Muzorewa attacks government clampdown on Bulawayo
- Date: 6th March 1985
- Summary: BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE (2 MARCH, 1985) (VISNEWS - GEOFF CHILTON) GV Military road block -- drivers being questioned GV Troops patrolling streets GV & CU People sitting on side of road (2 shots) GV Helicopter flying over town SV Family sitting on pavement
- Embargoed: 21st March 1985 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE
- Country: Zimbabwe
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA7420F717H5MEC6ZOV0UOVS6LH
- Story Text: Zimbabwe's opposition leader Bishop Abel Muzorewa has criticised the 36-hour clampdown on Bulawayo as a "disgusting and provocative" act of sabotage by the government which prevented the funerals of five blacks killed in recent clashes. The cordon, put into effect by more than 4,000 troops, began on March 2, paralysing the entire city of 420,000. The action was lifted at dawn on March 4. Muzorewa's remarks were made during the first day of the clampdown by Prime Minister Robert Mugabe's regime and his ruling ZANU-PF party. Muzorewa said the government feared large crowds at the funerals of the five. The five dead were members of the UANC party, which is joined by Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU party in opposing the Mugabe government. The recent sweep through the capital of Matabeleland Province, an Nkomo stronghold, was similar to previous military crackdowns in the area. The Government authorities explained the latest operation as an attempt to prevent politically-inspired violence.
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