'Illegal' fees hit Zimbabwean civic groups

Officials loyal to President Robert Mugabe have reportedly begun a new onslaught against humanitarian agencies by demanding illegal levies and putting them under surveillance.

Civic groups said authorities across the country had imposed charges of up to $1,000 (£630) to let them to operate. The practice is "theft and extortion", they said, adding that many non-governmental groups also reported "direct surveillance" by intelligence agents and the military.

AP