Tsvangirai moves into new residence

June 23, 2008

By Our Correspondent

MOVEMENT for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Morgan Tsvangirai has evacuated his Strathaven home after he was offered alternative and, presumably, safer accommodation by the Dutch Embassy in Harare.

Tsvangirai, who withdrew from Friday’s presidential runoff over the weekend, moved into the private new residence Monday afternoon following an announcement on Sunday of his party’s withdrawal from the race.

He described the presidential election as a sham.

Rob Decker, the Dutch Embassy’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed they offered Tsvangirai accommodation.

“We offered him accommodation because we felt that he would not be safe to remain in his own home, given the situation on the ground,” Decker said without offering any further details.

Nelson Chamisa and George Sibotshiwe, MDC national spokesperson and Tsvangirai’s spokesperson respectively, refused to comment on the matter.

A source in the MDC said the move was taken amid revelations that there was a renewed plot by Zanu PF to eliminate Tsvangirai.

“I have spoken to Morgan Tsvangirai and he has indicated that he is at a private residence in Harare. He has indicated to me that there are security concerns coming from some sections of the political establishment and that there are people who are planning to eliminate him at the earliest opportunity,” said the source.

He added that the concerns about the MDC leader’s security were traced back to the pre-March 29 race where there were reliable reports of attempts to eliminate him.

“We understand that the plan that had been shelved as a result of the world attention on Zimbabwe, that is to eliminate Tsvangirai, has been resuscitated and that is the basis of the security concern that the Dutch have expressed on Tsvangirai’s safety,” the source said.

The Zimbabwean government has refuted reports of any attempt to eliminate Tsvangirai.

Deputy Information and Publicity minister, Bright Matonga said there was no such a move.

“I repeat the statement I that made some time before the elections that it will be a silly thing for Zanu-PF to try and kill Tsvangirai. All the world attention is on Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF is not stupid to make such a move because that would attract unnecessary attention,” he said.

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Comments

13 Responses to “Tsvangirai moves into new residence”

11

n/a says:

June 24, 2008 at 1:57 pm

Why not the embassy of an African nation???
12

tich touch says:

July 17, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Zimbabweana President Morgan Tsvangirai deserves to be saluted for he has shown the qualities of a good proffessional innovative and concerned leader
13

Prosper says:

July 17, 2008 at 9:29 pm

Time has gone ,but Zimbabweans remember President Morgan Tsvangirai has prepared a special future 4 u.Tonga Nyika Morgi coz u are a soldier who is fully armed.to u zimbabweans know what u want coz …….