Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Police blocked a peaceful march to Masvingo State Minister Shuvai Ben Mahofa’s offices to hand over a petition in protest against poor living conditions and rampant corruption.

The police claimed the march was unlawful despite the fact that Judge Oliver Mudzongachiso, on the contrary said the ban was unconstitutional. The march was organised by members of the civic society and residents of the city of Masvingo at the weekend. The protestors expressed concern over the failure by President Robert Mugabe’s government to address the current economic decay.

In the petition the concerned groups argued that the government should immediately address the socio-economic chaos,rampant unemployment, the current cash crisis and poor governance. “It is disturbing to note that the the level of unemployment is skyrocketing due to the closure of companies. A lot of time is being wasted in bank queues due to unreasonable maximum withdrawal limits as a result of the current cash crisis.Roadblocks have become a menace to the ordinary driver.”

More often than not you find more than five roadblocks within 3 kilometres,”read part of the petition. Prominent Masvingo based human rights activist Prosper Tiringindi said Mugabe’s government should immediately address the current economic woes. “The governmant has failed to address the issues that are affecting the ordinary people of Zimbabwe.We cannot sit and watch as the living conditions continue to deteriorate with each passing day,”said Tiringindi.