Tsvangirai and 'wife' holidays in South Africa

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai spent part of the festive holidays in South Africa with his new wife Ms Locadia Karimatsenga Tembo, contrary to his claims that he terminated the relationship, state media reported.

State media sources said the two lovebirds, caught up in Durban after New Year's Day and met the PM's children.

Ms Karimatsenga, who was still at PM Tsvangirai's rural home, followed her husband to South Africa on New Year's Day by road. The PM had left three days earlier on a South African Airways flight.

Last year, PM Tsvangirai issued a statement claiming that he had terminated his relationship with Ms Karimatsenga, alleging interference in his private life by the media and State security.

Ms Karimatsenga has been in Buhera at the PM's rural home since November.

PM Tsvangirai's spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka denied the reports.

He said the PM was in South Africa for a holiday break with his children and he was not aware where Ms Karimatsenga was.

"The PM is with his children in South Africa. The PM has issued a statement on this issue and as we speak that statement still stands."

Information obtained by The Herald indicated that the two are still together.

It is understood that PM Tsvangirai refused to be accompanied by State security personnel to South Africa, preferring escort from his party.

Mr Tamborinyoka said it was not mandatory for the PM to travel with State security personnel.

"The PM is an institution. He has the prerogative to choose the people he wants to travel with," Mr Tamborinyoka said.