Welshman Ncube, Cops in standoff

A group of 11 police officers, two in plain clothes and the rest armed with batons, yesterday delayed an MDC district meeting in Tsholotsho, claiming the party had not sought clearance.

The district meeting was supposed to be held at MDC councillor Rhoda Ncube's homestead in Manqe but upon arrival, party leader Welshman Ncube found the police details at the gate saying the meeting could not go ahead.

Ncube explained to the policemen that according to the Public Order and Security Act (Posa), they did not need police clearance, since they were holding a meeting of an organ of their party.

The MDC leader, accompanied by party secretary-general Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, had to go to Tsholotsho Police Station to clarify the issue.

"We had to go to the police station to clarify issues and the police apologised, saying we should proceed with the meeting after delaying us for two hours," Ncube said.

Ncube said the conduct of the police was symptomatic of the chaos set to rock the country following the proclamation of elections on July 31 by President Robert Mugabe.

Ncube urged party members to register to vote to get rid of Mugabe.