The protests, which spread from the capital, Harare, to Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo and some smaller towns, followed the government's decision to increase taxes on fuel, more than doubling the price of the already scarce commodity and making it the world's most expensive when compared to prices quoted by GlobalPetrolPrices.com.
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said 13 protesters were treated for gunshot wounds on Monday. NewsDay, a Harare-based newspaper, reported the same organisation as upping the number of injured to 24 and five killed during the demonstrations.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change said in an emailed statement its headquarters in Harare were broken into Monday night and set ablaze by unknown assailants.
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Mnangagwa's trip to Russia was planned before the protests erupted. He's also scheduled to visit Kazakhstan, Belarus and Azerbaijan before flying to Davos, Switzerland, in an effort to raise investment for his economically blighted nation. His absence leaves Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a retired general, in charge of the southern African country.
Security Minister Owen Ncube told the state-controlled Herald newspaper that the MDC, non-governmental organisations and civil-society bodies were to blame for Monday's violence.
"The prevailing security situation in the country is a culmination of a well-orchestrated series of events by the MDC Alliance working in cahoots with NGOs, civic society, youth organisations, pressure groups and individuals," he told the Herald, adding that the "MDC Alliance activated its notorious terror groups."
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, which called for three days of protests on Sunday, urged Zimbabweans to continue the demonstrations today.
Russian diamond giant Alrosa is going back to Zimbabwe
The company will develop new mining operations in the country with the support of the government, Alrosa said Monday as Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Moscow. The Russian producer opened an office in Zimbabwe last month, Chief Executive Officer Sergey Ivanov said at a press conference.