afrol News, 19 November - Zimbabwe's main Opposition Movement for Democratic Change has raised concerns on safety of its 12 members who were allegedly abducted from their homes about 21 days ago.

MDC said ruling Zanu PF and police have failed to disclose the whereabouts of the 12 members.

The 12 are said to have been abducted in predawn raids at their homes in Banket and Chinhoyi, but MDC claims, its lawyers and relatives have been denied access to them, according to party statement issued today.

"On 11 November , High Court judge Justice Charles Hungwe ruled that the detained be produced in court at or before 4pm of that day, but eight days later the State is in contempt of court after police failed to comply with the order," it said.

MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai won March polls but did not get enough votes to avoid a presidential run-off. But he pulled out of the run off saying he could not go to polls while his supports were being victimised.

However, Southern African regional body brokered talks ended with a power deal in September, a deal that has not yet been effect due to highly disputed home affairs ministry.

About two weeks ago, regional bloc met again and resolved that both Zimbabwean parties should share a ministry. However, Mr Tsvangirai outrightly disputed a decision saying he could not enter into 'illegal government'.

MDC said unlawful arrests, detentions and abductions of MDC activists should cease as a matter of urgency, if the country is to progress.

"The regime has begun a systematic crackdown on party members in the country as it tries in vain to solidify trumped-up charges of banditry and terrorism against MDC supporters," statement said.

Among 12 detained MDC activists is Concilia Chinanzvavana, Women's assembly provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West and her husband Emmanuel Chinanzvavana who is a councilor in Banket.

Zimbabwe has world's highest inflation rate following a land-redistribution campaign begun by Mr Mugabe in 2000.

The programme, in which white-owned commercial farms were seized for redistribution to black farmers deprived of land during colonial rule, cut agricultural output and led to shortages of basic commodities including flour and cooking oil.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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