Swiss multinational¹ Nestle has suspended operations at its dairy plant in Zimbabwe, citing harassment².

瑞士跨国公司雀巢暂停津巴布韦牛奶厂的运营。

Gushungo is one of several farms controlled by the Mugabe family

After international criticism, Nestle announced in October that it would stop buying milk from a farm owned by President Robert Mugabe's wife Grace.

The company said since then it had come under pressure to accept milk from "certain non-contracted suppliers".

President Mugabe said he was unaware³ of the development and his prime minister said it was an "over-reaction反应过度".

'Solution sought'

In a statement, Nestle said government officials and police forced staff to accept a delivery on Saturday.

"Two Nestle Zimbabwe managers were questioned by the police and released without charges the same day," the statement said.

"Since under such circumstances normal operations and the safety of employees are no longer guaranteed, Nestle decided⁴ to temporarily shut down the facility."

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a press conference after the announcement that he thought the shutdown was an "over-reaction".

"I am sure the minister of industry, who is responsible, is talking to the directors - and that a solution will be found," he said.

Mr Mugabe, who was also at the press gathering⁵, said he was not aware of the development.

In October, Nestle said it would stop buying milk from Gushungo Dairy Estate and seven other farms after human rights activists⁶ had called for a boycott抵制 of Nestle products.

The farm, owned by Grace Mugabe, was seized from its white owner under controversial land reforms.

The company said it had bought from farms such as Gushungo since February to help the country as its dairy industry乳品业 neared collapse⁸.

In February, Mr Mugabe joined a unity⁹ government with the Movement for Democratic Change leader Mr Tsvangirai aimed at rescuing the country's shattered极度疲劳的，破碎的 economy - which has stabilised in recent months.

Mrs Mugabe is subject to international sanctions制裁，处罚, along with her husband and dozens of other Zimbabwean officials.

But these cover travel to, and assets资产，财产 held in, the US, EU, Switzerland and other countries - they do not restrict trade, except arms sales.