Zimbabwe police break up anti-government protest
Many fear local banknotes, to be issued in October, will feed inflation
Baton-carrying riot police used tear gas and water cannon to break up an anti-government protest in Zimbabwe's capital on Wednesday, dispersing demonstrators who demanded that President Robert Mugabe step down.
People hurried for cover as police moved in on about 200 activists marching to the country's reserve bank to protest a currency crisis.
Zimbabwe abandoned its currency in 2009 following hyperinflation, adopting a multi-currency system dominated by the United States dollar.
Dollar shortages have resulted in long lines at banks.
The government has responded to the shortage with a plan to roll out in October local banknotes, or "bond notes," which would be used alongside the U.S. dollar and the South African rand. Many fear that could trigger a return to hyperinflation and wipe out people's savings.
Mugabe has responded to the recent protests by saying that people who are unhappy with living conditions can leave the country.
The 92-year-old has been in power since 1980.