The stay away called for yesterday by the main oppposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was characterised by incidents of violence in some parts of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare and its surrounding areas.

Demonstrators Burnt A Bus In A Stay Away Organised By The MDC To Demand Release Of Last Months Presidential Elections.

In an incident witnessed by this reporter in the surburb of Warren Park D, early morning, a bus belonging to Mandaza Bus Company was burnt to ashes at a round about between Westlea and Warren Park D. Property on the bus was also destroyed in the inferno.

There was drama when riot police came in a UD truck accompanied by three state-of-the-art armoured vehicles with water canons.

Residents ran for dear life in all directions, whilst people at bus stops- who were waiting for combis to ferry them to work, had to seek refuge in nearby buildings and shops. The convoy spent a good 15 minutes in the suburb, 'monitoring' the situation. However, no one was beaten or hurt during the incident.

One bank worker who was at the bus stop headed home soon after the police left.

“This is what I don't like. Mvura iyo inonzi inovava ka! (Heard the water from those vehicles is itchy.).”

“I am going back home. I will phone my employer, and tell them I am not coming in today,” he said.

On Moday, the High Court dismissed with costs an urgent court application that had been filed by the MDC demanding the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to release the results.

For over two weeks since 29 March, ZEC is failing to release the Presidential poll results, a situation that has caused an electoral impasse as the people of Zimbabwe who voted in their millions have been waiting patiently for the results.

Another employee at a bus stop in Warren Park said he wanted to see what the situation is like in the CBD.

“Right now, there is no public transport to ferry people to work. I will have to wait, even if it means going to work at 2pm.”

“I have seen many people go back home since sometime around 7am, especially when the riot police showed up at around 8am,” he said.

According to the MDC, as Zimbabweans it is not enough to just stand by and do nothing when we are facing untold political and economic pain.

“Every Zimbabwean worker, business people, informal traders are being encouraged to stay at home until our demands are met by ZEC,” said the MDC in a statement.

In Chitungwiza, a resident confirmed a bus was stoned and the driver sustained injuries, and was rushed to the hospital.

“It is fortunate that I have arrived at work safely. In some parts of our suburb, I heard the situation is tense,” he said.

There were also reports of clashes with the police in Mbare and Glen View, where riot police frequented. Generally, public transport was a major problem, forcing many to stay at home.

A woman walking in the capital discussing the stay away with her companions said she cannot afford to stay at home, as she needs to make money.

“If I don't go to work, my children won't get supper or bread in the morning whilst the politicians have everything they need. I cannot do that at my children's expense,” she said.

The MDC says it is now known internationally that the MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai won the election by over 50, 3 percent. However, a shocked ZANU PF regime has failed to come to terms with the defeat and is doing everything in its power in order to subvert the people of Zimbabwe’s will.

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