Dzamara not in voluntary hiding, says family

'Abducted' democracy activist Itai Dzamara's family on Monday held a press conference to dispel rumours that the activist had gone into voluntary hiding to seek media attention.

His brother, Patson Dzamara, indicated that the disappearance is putting a strain on the family.

Dzamara's disappearance has raised tensions in Harare forcing the government to deploy heavily armed police officers in the city centre and put the majority of the force on high alert.

Zimbabweans in London and South Africa upped pressure on the government to locate Dzamara by demonstrating over the weekend.

The United States, European Union and several western countries and human rights groups have all called on the government to find Dzamara.