South African media and the internet were awash with details of how thugs loyal to President Robert Mugabe went on the rampage in Harare to protest the awarding of city parking lots management to a South African company by the city of Harare.
Ironically, South Africa is Zimbabwes largest trading partner and many other companies were expressing a keen interest to invest in their Southern African neighbour.
The violent orgy, which has been condemned by human rights group and sets a bad precedent for Zimbabwe ahead of a run-up to elections, saw Zanu (PF) youth militia beating up foreigners operating businesses at the Gulf Complex near Market Square before looting wares and harassing those who attempted to resist.
The development comes at a time when the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has forged a partnership with the ZITF in a move aimed at encouraging more international exhibitors during the 2011 edition of the annual event.
Post published in: News