Cops probe inter-party clashes

2004-07-03 10:41

Harare - Police in Zimbabwe were on Saturday investigating inter-party clashes that the opposition claimed were an attack on its leader Morgan Tsvangirai, a police spokesperson said.

Oliver Mandipaka confirmed investigations were underway into the clashes on Friday in the rural town of Mvurwi, north of Harare, but could not give further details.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) claimed on Friday that Tsvangirai and other top MDC officials were attacked by a group of 200 ruling Zanu-PF supporters, armed with axes, clubs and stones.

Tsvangirai was not hurt, but several of his supporters were, the party said.

State media on Saturday said the clashes were provoked by MDC youths. The state-run Herald said MDC youths had "provoked" ruling party youths by throwing teargas canisters at one of their vehicles.

The paper quoted police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena as saying: "Those who are found participating in political violence would be brought to book because we will not tolerate that."

The opposition said in a statement late on Friday that an MDC official in Mvurwi had been arrested, and several of his vehicles torched. The arrest has not been confirmed by police.

Political tensions are rising in Zimbabwe as the two main parties step up campaigning for next year's parliamentary elections, due in March.

- AFP