afrol News, 17 June - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has threatened to arrest leaders of main opposition party (MDC) who he is accusing of condoning election violence across the country.

Mr Mugabe blames MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and other party leaders for allegedly inciting incidents of arson and rampant violence, which have rocked southern African state ahead of 27 June presidential runoff.

"The violence is systematic, showing it was organised by opposition leaders," president was quoted as saying.

However, independent human rights observers, argue that Mugabe's security organs including state police, army and war veterans are behind rife aggression and intimidation designed to bolster Mugabe's stay in power.

Tsvangirai had won first round of March presidential election, reportedly with no clear majority and the second poll round scheduled for 27 June is yet to decide who future president will be.

Independent observers have noted some retaliatory attacks, but say the magnitude of state-backed violence by far surpasses opposition's.

President Mugabe has thus threatened to arrest MDC leaders, if widespread aggression does not stop, especially Mr Tsvangirai, who he holds personally responsible.

MDC Secretary-general Tendai Biti has already been arrested, facing treason charges, which can carry death penalty.

Mr Biti did not make a scheduled court appearance yesterday. His lawyer, Lewis Uriri, said Mr Biti had yet to be asked by police to make formal written "warned and cautioned" statement required before he can be brought before court.

He was arrested when returning from neighbouring South Africa on Thursday and briefly appeared in court on Saturday, after his lawyers obtained a court order for police to produce him and justify his detention.

MDC has called his arrest "politically motivated" and a part of "malicious" attempts by Mr Mugabe "to frustrate the election campaign of the MDC."

Meanwhile, a senior United Nations (UN) envoy Haile Menkerios has arrived in Zimbabwe for a five-day visit ahead of presidential run-off vote, already dubbed as failure before take-off because of ensuing violence.

Mr Menkerios is expected to meet politicians to discuss situation in the run-up to election on 27 June.

Reports show that police have imposed a 12-hour curfew in parts of Masvingo province - one of those worst affected by recent violence.

Violence is reported to have spread to urban areas near Harare, with opposition activists complaining of being attacked near the capital.

Most attacks are said to be carried out at night, hence, villagers are advised to remain indoors after 6.00pm (local time), in some parts of the country.

Political violence related to the presidential polls has swept the country in recent weeks, with thousands of people being displaced and dozens reportedly killed.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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