/ 8 March 2006

Zimbabwe security forces unearth arms cache

Security forces in Zimbabwe have discovered a stash of weapons in the east of the country and arrested a former member of the colonial Rhodesian forces over the find, state television reported late on Tuesday.

”Security forces have unearthed an arms cache in Mutare and arrested a former member of the Rhodesian forces in connection with the recovered arms of war,” state television said.

The report said the cache comprised a Kalashnikov 47 assault rifle, seven Uzi machine guns, four FN rifles, 11 shotguns, six CZ pistols, four revolvers, 15 tear gas canisters and several thousand rounds of ammunition.

It said a man identified as Mike Peter Hischman was arrested in connection with the find and claimed he was working for an obscure organisation called the Zimbabwe Freedom Movement ”with opposition members Roy Bennett and Giles Mutseyekwa as co-ordinators.

”Security forces say the suspect claims to have been working with former Rhodesian forces who are serving members of the security forces to obtain the arms of war as well as plan acts of possible sabotage and destabilisation,” the report said.

Mutseyekwa and Bennett could not be reached for comment.

The suspect was expected to appear in court while more arrests were expected, the report said. – Sapa-AFP