Post date: Mar 17, 2013 10:31:32 PM
Five people have been arrested in a raid on the office of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Sunday, police say. It comes a day after residents voted in a referendum on a new constitution, which observers are hailing as peaceful and credible.
HARARE, ZIMBABWE (MARCH 17, 2013) (REUTERS) - Zimbabwe police arrested five people in a raid on the office of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Sunday (March 17), a move that could spark concern about a return to political intimidation ahead of an election expected later this year.
The raid came a day after Zimbabweans voted in a referendum expected to endorse a new constitution to trim presidential powers and pave the way for an election to decide whether Robert Mugabe extends his three-decade rule."Today this morning, we arrested five people, Thabani Mpofu, Felix Matsinde, Worship Dumba, Anna Muzonsiwa, for impersonating police. They are currently in police custody, and investigations are actually being conducted by CID Section. We also arrested Beatrice Mthetwa for obstructing or defeating the course of justice," said Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Charity Charamba at a press conference on Sunday.
Beatrice Mtetwa, a top human rights attorney who has previously represented Tsvangirai, has accused police of using heavy-handed tactics against Mugabe's opponents.
As both the 89-year-old Mugabe and his rival Tsvangirai have endorsed the new constitution, it was not immediately clear why police had raided Tsvangirai's communications office.
Tsvangirai and Mugabe have been in a power sharing agreement following a violent and disputed vote in 2008. While marked by low turnout, Saturday's (March 16) vote was notably free from violence.
"I wish to sincerely congratulate the government, ZEC and the people ofZimbabwe for holding a peaceful and credible referendum on the 16th of March 2013. This is a major step in the implementation of the GPA, and I therefore would like to take this opportunity to encourage political leadership and all the people ofZimbabwe to uphold peace and stability, as we are waiting for the white smoke, thank you for your kindness," said Bernard Membe, leader of SADC (South African Development Community) Electoral Observation Mission.
Results from the polls were still being verified at provincial centres. Officials have up to five days to announce the outcome.