Zimbabwe veers closer to the brink as shortages worsen

Zimbabwe’s economy veered closer to the brink Monday with no end in sight to chronic shortages of staple foods and gasoline, and predictions of a standstill in routine business within days.

Police and government inspectors continued cracking down on shopkeepers and sales managers accused of defying orders to slash prices by half in a desperate attempt to halt rampant inflation.

Shelves were bare of cornmeal, bread, meat and other staples, and witnesses said many shops and suppliers were cleaned out by convoys of ruling party supporters coming in after police and inspectors began enforcing the price cuts on June 26.

IHT