SUSPECTED rogue elements in Mutare hijacked the celebrations to mark the resignation of President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday by going on a looting spree, targeting Choppies supermarket reportedly owned by embattled Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.

The incident happened almost an hour after Mugabe had tendered his resignation, sparking wild celebrations in Mutare.

The rowdy elements stormed the supermarket and looted groceries, but the military swiftly moved in and dispersed the looters before ordering residents to move out of the city centre.

The supermarket was closed yesterday morning and manned by the members of the Zimbabwe Defences Forces (ZDF).

The incident happened just before ZDF Commander General Constantino Chiwenga urged citizens not to be vengeful in the wake of Mugabe’s resignation.

MDC-T Manicaland chairman David Chimhini said his party did not tolerate acts of violence before thanking the army for maintaining peace.

“I am happy that Mugabe has finally resigned. He should have done that long back. But we are urging the nation to remain united and we discourage acts of violence and intimidation,” he said

Newsday