/ 1 January 2002

British High Commissioner in Zim under surveillance

The British high commissioner to Harare, Brian Donnelly, has been placed under 24-hour surveillance for political activities incompatible with his diplomatic duties, Saturday’s edition of state-run newspaper The Herald reported government sources as saying.

”Security agents have placed the British High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Mr Brian Donnelly, under 24-hour surveillance following his alleged involvement in political activities deemed incompatible with his diplomatic duties,” the paper said.

”Authoritative government sources said (to) the Herald that Mr Donnelly was under open surveillance in the wake of revelations that he was meddling in Zimbabwean politics.

”The high commissioner, said the sources, is also involved in activities to undermine the legitimate government of President (Robert) Mugabe,” the newspaper continued.

Britain, Zimbabwe’s former colonial ruler, is regularly accused by Mugabe’s government of interfering in the internal affairs of the southern African country and supporting the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). – Sapa-AFP