Zimbabwe police on Saturday detained a mayor from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s party following political violence in the east of the country earlier this week, a party spokesperson said.
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesperson Pishayi Muchauraya said Admire Mukorera, the deputy mayor for the city of Mutare, was taken from his home early on Saturday by detectives from the police law and order section.
”They said his vehicle was used during political disturbances in Buhera but they did not give details,” Muchauraya said.
”He is detained at Mutare central police station but they plan to take him to Buhera. When we went to see him he had not been charged.”
In a reference to President Robert Mugabe’s party, he added, ”What surprises us is that we have supporters who had houses burnt by Zanu-PF supporters this week and we made reports to the police with names of suspects but nothing has been done.”
‘Fighting must stop’
Mugabe said earlier on Saturday that his party’s fight with the opposition party was over and demanded an end to political violence.
Mugabe was addressing mourners, including Tsvangirai, at the burial of former army commander Vitalis Zvinavashe at Heroes’ Acre cemetery in Harare.
Susan Tsvangirai died in a car crash on March 6, in which the MDC leader was also slightly injured.
Referring to the coalition government he and Tsvangirai formed a month ago, Mugabe said: ”We have Prime Minister Tsvangirai and his deputies here with us — that is what it should be. ”
”Fighting must stop,” he said. ”I hear there is still violence in some parts and some houses have been burnt down. Those who still think fighting must continue must declare themselves enemies of Zimbabwe,” he said. – Sapa-DPA, AFP