Marondera (New Ziana) – Opposition protests called for Friday failed to take off in Marondera, capital of Mashonaland East Province.

As elsewhere in the country, residents of the town chose to ignore the protest calls, and either engaged in their normal daily routines or stayed at home.

Police and other security forces deployed in big numbers in the town, especially the central business district, to ensure law and order.

The protests had been banned by the police fearing possible violence, and also over the likelihood of the spread of Covid-19.

Human traffic was light in the town, after most people stayed home, but all major shops – OK and Pick and Pay supermarkets and others – were open and running smoothly.

But these were manned by skeletal staff as some workers failed to go to work due to tight security controls.

Out of the seven fuel stations in the town, only one opened, but all had fuel.

Pharmacies and hardware shops in Marondera were also open for business, with owners and customers alike giving the protest calls a thumps down.

New Ziana