Zimbabwe's MDC says official faces new charges

An official in Zimbabwe's MDC party has been charged with planning terrorism and insurgency just days after the opposition joined in a unity government with President Robert Mugabe, his lawyer said yesterday.

The development threatens the credibilty of the new government, whose formation after long negotiations was aimed at leading Zimbabwe out of a political and economic crisis.

MDC Treasurer General Roy Bennet is expected to appear in court today to face the charges, his lawyer, Trust Maanda, said.

Mr Bennett, who was meant to be deputy agriculture minister in the new administration, was arrested before new ministers were sworn in on Friday.

The MDC had said Mr Bennett was charged with treason.

"They have now preferred charges of insurgency or attempting to commit acts of insurgency, terrorism and banditry," Mr Maanda said.

Mr Bennett is accused of being involved in funding for arms and explosives to be used to sabotage essential services, Mr Maanda said. Mr Bennett has denied the charges and believes they are politically motivated, he said.

While the MDC has condemned Mr Bennett's arrest, it has not indicated if it would take any strong action that could endanger the unity government formed after months of deadlock over implementation of a September power-sharing deal.

Mr Bennett is being held at a police station in the eastern city of Mutare, the MDC said. He is in good spirits.

He had been living in exile in South Africa after fleeing Zimbabwe two years ago because police wanted to question him in connection with the discovery of an arms cache.

Police officials have not been available for comment on Mr Bennett's case.