Pro-Mugabe militias blamed as Zimbabwe violence erupts

• David Smith in Johannesburg



 

Pro-Mugabe militias blamed as Zimbabwe violence erupts

Analysts regard escalating violence as a warning sign that president is gearing up for elections and fear repeat of 2008 polls.

Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party is accused by MDC activists of 'running amok' in poor townships. Photograph: Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images

Violence has surged in Zimbabwe with reports of mob attacks, death threats, politically motivated arrests and at least one shooting ahead of possible elections, civil rights groups claim. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) claims youth militias loyal to Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party are "running amok" in poor townships, and accuses the police of siding with the offenders. Full story on Pro-Mugabe militias blamed as Zimbabwe violence erupts