Zimbabwe arrests MDC’s Tendai Biti ‘at Zambia border’

Tendai Biti Symbol copyright AFP Image caption Tendai Biti is accused of pre-empting the respectable election results and inciting protests

A senior member of Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC Alliance, Tendai Biti, has been arrested on the border with Zambia, his attorney says.

Police accuse Mr Biti of inciting violence following remaining month’s election – the primary in view that lengthy-time ruler Robert Mugabe used to be ousted.

Six other people had been killed after the military intervened to scale down protests in the capital, Harare.

The MDC Alliance alleges the presidential ballot was once rigged.

But the electoral commission disputes this and says that incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mr Mugabe, gained the election.

Africa Live: Updates in this and other stories How Mugabe and white farmers changed aspects Zimbabwe’s euphoric and tragic election Chaos as protesters hit streets of Harare

He took 50.8% of the votes cast – making sure by means of handiest 36,464 ballots that there didn’t must be a run-off.

The opposition says that its candidate, Nelson Chamisa, used to be the victor and that the effects were massaged

Mr Biti was attempting go into Zambia to hunt asylum, his legal professional Nqobizitha Mlilo said.

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Media captionBBC captures pictures of remaining week’s publish-election violence in Harare

he’s the first senior flesh presser to be arrested following July’s election – and used to be minister of finance in a unity govt shaped after disputed elections in 2008.

Mr Biti is credited with serving to stabilise the financial system after years of hyperinflation.

His arrest warrant, seen via the BBC, says that Mr Biti “unlawfully” announced that Mr Chamisa had gained the presidential election.

Altogether the police are looking for 9 senior opposition officials.

July’s elections had been intended to set Zimbabwe on a brand new democratic trail after the tip of Mr Mugabe’s 37-year rule remaining November.

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