US condemns London attack on Mugabe coup announcer

US ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols has condemned attack on Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo by a group of angry Zimbabweans in London last week.

Nichols, in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a gender-based violence marathon by student teachers in Harare, condemned the attack but said the incident is one reason Zimbabwe needs broad-based dialogue.

"Violence should have no place in Zimbabwean society whatsoever and I condemn any use of it against anyone. I express my concern for the welfare of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo," said Moyo.

Moyo was attacked by suspected MDC supporters just after he addressed British think-tank Chatham House in which he called for peaceful disagreement among Zimbabweans and while acknowledging those who were demonstrating outside the hall jokingly said: "If you lock three Zimbabweans in one room they will form five political parties. We must learn to differ peacefully."

The MDC is yet to comment on the matter despite the fact that the protestors were clad in party regalia as well as posters bearing deputy national chairman Job Sikhala's face.

Sikhala is in remand prison having been arrested on charges of subversion after comments he made claiming the MDC was planning to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The MDC immediately distanced itself from Sikhala's comments.