Tsvangirai 'feels safe' to be back in Zimbabwe despite death threats

Published on Saturday 24 May 2008 20:17

ZIMBABWEAN opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai headed back to Zimbabwe yesterday, saying he feels safe despite fears of a possible assassination attempt.

Tsvangirai seemed relaxed as he rushed to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport to catch a plane for Harare, where he arrived 90 minutes later.

"I feel quite safe," he said while travelling in a four-car convoy with flashing lights and wailing sirens. Tsvangirai faces a run-off election against President Robert Mugabe on June 27.

He won the first round of voting at the end of March but not by the simple majority needed to avoid a second round.

Tsvangirai has spent most of the time since the first round outside the country.

He planned to return to Zimbabwe last Saturday but delayed the trip after his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party said he was the target of a military assassination plot.

On the way to the airport he stopped to say goodbye to his family and his home in northern Johannesburg. His last words to them was a quick: "OK, cheers," as they gathered at the front door to see him off, his daughter snapping pictures with her mobile phone.

Asked what he expected to happen on his return, Tsvangirai said he might be stopped from continuing or have his passport taken.

"There are no guarantees," he said.

Tsvangirai met party officials in Harare yesterday and was briefed on the violence opposition supporters are facing in the country. Independent human rights groups say opposition supporters have been targeted in a campaign of violence aimed at ensuring the 84-year-old Mugabe wins the presidential run-off.

The violence poses serious questions about whether the run-off can be free and fair.

Tsvangirai, 56, has survived three assassination attempts.