Panic-buying and fuel queues have resurfaced in Zimbabwe amid fears of a looming economic crisis, despite government's stern rejection of alarm and despondency.
For the first time in years, fuel queues resurfaced in Zimbabwe's capital Harare on Saturday, according to News24. Customers at some petrol stations were reportedly being limited to a maximum of US$30 of diesel if using credit cards, if they could not pay in hard cash.
Zimbabweans, meanwhile, shared pictures on social media of customers stocking up on basic commodities at shops as panic-buying mounts.
On location: buying fuel at blackmarket bcz service stations do not have @ZimMediaReview@263Chatpic.twitter.com/Lo7zB9sPtx
— Nyasha Mcbride Mpani (@NyashaMpani) September 23, 2017
Zimbabwe's Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo on Sunday, however, dismissed claims Zimbabwe could experience hyperinflation similar to the "days of 2008" -- when the country suffered economic collapse -- as "propaganda".
Chilling image from Zimbabwe with 2018 elections on the horizon https://t.co/k0qqOPt9gb
— Ashley Giles (@Ashley_Giles) September 25, 2017
He threatened "renegades and malcontents" for spreading alarm and despondency, saying press and social media were being monitored and would consider taking action against those spreading "propaganda".
The minister's warning followed the arrest on Sunday of outspoken leader of the #ThisFlag resistance effort, pastor Evan Mawarire, following a live Facebook broadcast during which he criticised government's handling of the economy. He was charged with subverting the government for the broadcast.
Yesterday, Pastor Evan Mawarire spoke out about the deteriorating economic situation in #Zimbabwe.👇🏿 Today he was arrested at his church. pic.twitter.com/SDDHnHXuil
— Doug Coltart (@DougColtart) September 24, 2017
.@PastorEvanLive's words to his church just before his arrest this morning.
Last night, he called for action against the economic crisis. pic.twitter.com/MAfaJb0tps
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) September 24, 2017
Central bank chief John Mangudya, however, issued statements over the weekend attempting to placate Zimbabweans, claiming enough foreign currency was available for the importing of basic goods.
Many Zimbabweans have rebuked official statements, including former education minister David Coltart, who said: "This statement reveals just how delusional the ruining party has become -- they don't appear to notice the economic chaos all around them."
Others expressed messages of dismay as well as criticism directed at the Mugabe family and senior politicians over lavish spending, particularly in recent weeks.
$5000000.00 US 😤2 Rolls Royce 😤flown into Zimbabwe where you can not withdraw $10 out of an ATM.
— Vimbaishe Musvaburi (@VimbaisheM) September 20, 2017
Current state of affairs in Zimbabwe! pic.twitter.com/CZnHDVJYCH
— Victoria Chimhutu (@vmushaba1) September 24, 2017
Look who's out on a shopping spree in New York; Chatunga Mugabe at a McDonalds, bodyguards carrying his Gucci shopping bags (@gibbsdube) pic.twitter.com/W0D0dp8mpc
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) September 20, 2017
With this kleptocracy in charge of Zimbabwe, the country will end up being called Bwe. They would have stolen the first five letters too!
— Alex T Magaisa (@Wamagaisa) September 21, 2017