Ncube and MDC-N leaders ‘were not arrested’

Police Officer Commanding Matabeleland North Senior Assistant Commissioner Edmore Veterai is claiming Welshman Ncube and dozens of MDC-N leaders were not arrested and “were only invited to explain to the police what they were doing.  They are VIPs and as the police their security is our concern. They were at the Criminal Investigation Department for less than 30 minutes and were released.”

However, MDC-N deputy spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi last night said about 20 MDC leaders had been nabbed for violating the Public Order and Security Act. He, however, said it was not yet clear what charges they were facing.

“About 20 of our top leadership including Professor Ncube, secretary-general Misihairabwi-Mushonga and the deputy secretary-general Moses Mzila Ndlovu have been arrested. My understanding is that they are being arrested under POSA for allegedly holding an illegal meeting. However, they were not holding any meetings, they were only on a visit to Hwange.

“A road block was set up just after Hwange on their way back and that is where they were told that they were under arrest,” Chihwayi said.