Mugabe warns MDC "bandits", says they are championing violence

HARARE - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe accused opposition followers today of terrorising villagers and supporters of his ruling Zanu-PF party, warning that they were "playing a dangerous game".

"We have disturbing evidence of motorised gangs trained and equipped by the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) and of returning white commercial farmers who have been visiting terror on villages and party supporters," said Mugabe.

"Such acts of banditry must stop forthwith. The MDC and its supporters are playing a very dangerous game.

"They should know they cannot win that kind of war which they have carried to rural constituencies in the hope of destabilising our supporters," he added in an address to senior party members.

Violence has spiralled in Zimbabwe since elections on March 29 which saw MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat Mugabe but falling short of an overall majority needed to avoid a second round run-off, now scheduled for six weeks’ time.

In a report earlier this week, the United Nations (UN) senior representative in Zimbabwe said while both parties had been guilty of attacks, Zanu-PF were the main perpetrators.

The MDC says more than 30 of its supporters have been killed by pro-Mugabe militias and tens of thousands of civilians forced out of their homes.

Mugabe, who has previously claimed to have "a degree in violence", said support could not be secured through coercion.

"We need peace and freedom in our country. They (the opposition) should take heed," he added. - AFP