Govt withdraws Tsvangirai’s security

By Xolisani Ncube

HARARE – Former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai has been stripped of his police security privileges.

Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson yesterday said police who were assigned to the former PM were withdrawn yesterday.

“To us it means nothing because he never expected anything good from Zanu PF especially that the inclusive government is gone,” he said.

“The president (MDC leader) is not concerned about police officers not being there at his house. He has God on his side and his protection will never be compromised through and through,” Tamborinyoka said.

Tsvangirai, who sat with Mugabe at State House mapping the country’s future as one of the executives for the past four years, was given a state convoy which was operated by security operatives, while his residence had round-the-clock armed police officers.

Tsvangirai joined the inclusive government in 2009 following a disputed poll which saw Mugabe being trounced by the former trade unionist in a March 2008 election, before violence was unleashed on MDC supporters in the run-up to a June presidential run-off.

The uneasy coalition government supervised by Mugabe, saw the production of a new constitution, which led to polls on July 31.

Mugabe won the presidential vote by 61 percent amid allegations of vote fraud and massive irregularities.
He was on Thursday sworn-in at the National Sports Stadium — a function attended by at least six serving presidents from Africa out of the 40 invited.

Although it was not clear as to what was agreed as Tsvangirai’s exit package, the Daily News understands that he will most likely retain his official Mercedes Benz while hardliners in the ruling party are pushing for his ouster from the Highlands state house.

The MDC leader moved into the official residence in Highlands purchased by government after Mugabe had denied him access to Zimbabwe House.

Mugabe used the house when he was Prime Minister but has now moved to his mansion in the expensive Borrowdale Brooke.

The Highlands house was purchased through a loan facility from treasury and according to information available,

“Tsvangirai offered to buy the residence but negotiations on the pricing are still to be finalised.

Even though talks regarding the disposal of the house are still underway, hardliners in Zanu PF want the former premier out of the house with immediate effect. Daily News