Zim: Tsvangirai returns, suspects no one

  1. Posted on Monday 9 March 2009 - 13:39
    shepilo
    Story and Photo: Shepherd Tozvireva, AfricaNews reporter in Harare, Zimbabwe
    Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai arrived from Botswana on Monday after medical treatment following his motor crash. He was received by his party officials at the Harare International airport. He said there was no foul play in the car crash that injured him and killed his wife instantly.
    Tsvangirai returns Photo: Shepherd Tozvireva
    The prime minister’s comment eases rumours and concerns that it would increase tensions in the new unity government.

    “In such incidents there is always speculation but in this case I want to assure you that if there was any foul play it would probably be one in 1,000," he told mourners according to Reuters. "It was an accident which unfortunately took a life. I am sure that life has to go on and I'm sure she would have liked for life to go on," he said, referring to his late wife Susan.

    Many Zimbabweans are suspicious about Friday's crash on a dangerous potholed highway, neglected like many others during the southern African country's economic decline.

    The tragedy comes at a difficult time for Tsvangirai, who is under pressure to rescue the shattered economy in a new unity government with President Robert Mugabe, his old rival.
    The driver of the truck that slammed into Tsvangirai's vehicle and forced it to roll off the road appeared at a court in Chivhu, 150 km (around 90 miles) south of Harare, on Monday, accompanied by three plain-clothed policemen.

    Chinoona Mwanda's application for bail was granted and he was remanded to return to court on March 23, said his lawyer Chris Mhike. Tsvangirai's wife of 31 years, a pillar of strength during 10 often trying years of opposition to Mugabe, is expected to be buried on Wednesday.

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