Minister Arrested For Undermining Mugabe

Timba, the minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, was arrested around sunset , Friday, as he left his office at Munhumutapa Building.

Timba’s arrest come days after Jonathan Moyo, a Zanu (PF) politburo member demanded that the minister, together with his boss, Morgan Tsvangirai, be arrested for allegedly undermining the authority of the President after they both said President Mugabe had lied on the outcome of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit held in Sandton.

The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai last night said they were worried about the development.

“The MDC wishes to advise that it’s Secretary for International relations and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office, Hon Timba was today arrested by police on allegations of undermining the authority of the President,” the party said in a statement.
“According to the police, the charges against Honorable Timba are based on an article which appeared in last week’s edition of The Standard newspaper which allegedly stated that Robert Mugabe lied about the outcome of the SADC summit in South Africa.”

 “Currently, Honorable Timba is being held by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Law and Order Section at Harare Central police station.  The MDC finds it strange that the Minister can be arrested on the basis of a newspaper report. Equally, we find it a little suspicious to choose Friday as the day to effect arrest.”

“The MDC is watching the developments closely and demands that the Minister is treated with the respect he deserves in accordance with the laws of the country.”