Zimbabwean police arrested a top opposition official on Thursday, saying he would be charged with treason, and briefly detained opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for the third time this month. Secretary-General Tendai Biti flew home from South Africa ahead of a June 27 presidential election run-off between Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe, who is battling to keep his 28-year hold on power in the ruined state.
Police had sought Biti, the third highest ranking official in the Movement for Democratic Change, for announcing results of the March 29 first round vote prematurely.
"We are charging him with treason and communicating statements prejudicial to the state. For the treason charge he faces the death penalty or life in prison," police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said. "He is in police custody and we are still investigating the matter."
Tsvangirai defeated Mugabe in a March 29 election but failed to win the absolute majority needed to avoid a second ballot, according to official results. Mugabe's support has been eroded by the economic collapse of the once prosperous country. Tsvangirai was detained for about two hours as he was campaigning in Kwekwe, 200 km (125 miles) west of Harare. He resumed his campaign after he was released.
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