CIO swarm Bulawayo ahead of Mugabe arrival

Security has been tightened in Bulawayo ahead of President Robert Mugabe's arrival in the city to preside over the official opening of this year's  Zimbabwe International Trade Fair tomorrow.

An advance team of Mugabe's security details arrived in the city early this week and were yesterday seen rehearsing on the path to be used by Mugabe on his way from the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport to the ZITF arena.

Operatives from the Central intelligence Organisation were also seen at the Bulawayo rainbow Hotel where Mugabe will make a brief stop before proceeding to the ZITF.

"CIO operatives have been deployed to cover almost every part of the city. It is a security requirement for them to do so," a source within the intelligence said.

"The city is literally swarming with state security agents."

Since Tuesday, a Zimbabwe National Army helicopter has been flying low above the city of Bulawayo reminiscent of the chaotic 2008 elections when the same was done in what opposition interpreted as intimidation.

Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso who was initially scheduled to officially open the Trade Fair pulled out at the last minute.