Zimbabwe government 'scared of the people'

The leader of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Nelson Chamisa, has described the beating of his supporters by police in the capital, Harare, as the behaviour of a collapsing regime. 

He said it was further proof that the government was scared of the people, as Zimbabwe's economic crisis worsens. 

Mr Chamisa was speaking after police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to disperse supporters who had gathered to hear him give a speech. 

On Sunday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa defended his record, saying his administration was opening up political and media space. 

Correspondents say the Zimbabwean government appears determined to prevent the opposition gaining political capital from the country's economic problems.