Shops scared to sell until after vote

President Robert Mugabe on Monday appeared to be threatening another of his price blitzes when he warned that his government would “read the riot act” to price hikers.

The owner of a store selling domestic goods told prospective buyers to come back after the elections.

“None of these things [on the shelves] are on the market right now. You can come back and buy them after the elections,” he was quoted as telling the government controlled Herald newspaper.

A shop assistant reportedly told the newspaper she'd been instructed not to sell anything until the election results had been announced.

Godwills Masimirembwa, the head of the National Incomes and Pricing Commission, warned “corrective measures” would be taken.

“We will be asking those who are refusing to open shop or to sell goods why they are doing so,” he told the Herald.

Source: The Times

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