Mugabe outrider burns to death in crash

Published on 05/10/2012 00:00

A POLICE motorcyclist in Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s motorcade has burned to death after crashing into a lorry.

He was clearing the way for Mr Mugabe’s 15 vehicle convoy when he struck the moving vehicle on Wednesday, causing his bike to burst into flame.

In June, local media reported that two people had been killed and 15 injured in two separate accidents involving outriders for the presidential convoy, which is notorious for sweeping through Harare’s streets at speed.

Mr Mugabe, 88, has been in power since independence from Britain in 1980 and seeks re-election in polls expected to be held next year.

His convoys have become a source of resentment for many ordinary Zimbabweans, who are required by law to get out of his way.