State Security Minister Owen Ncube said those killed and arrested were part of an “illegal” protest that he blamed on the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and non-governmental organisations.
“The prevailing security situation in the country is a culmination of a well-orchestrated series of events by the MDC Alliance, working in cahoots with NGOs, civic society, youth organisations, pressure groups and individuals,” Ncube said in a statement.
The protest was called by the MDC-affiliated Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions following a 150-percent hike in fuel prices on Saturday.
The army was deployed on Monday following clashes between the police and protesters in the capital Harare and second city Bulawayo where people barricaded roads, burned tyres and chanted songs against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Ncube said the protest resulted in the loss of life and property, including injury to police officers and members of the public.