The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Wednesday said it is monitoring reports that MDC Alliance co-vice president, Tendai Biti and his three employees were abducted.
Social media was on Tuesday awash with messages that Biti had been attacked and kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his home in Harare on Monday night and three law firm employees Monday morning.
Police said in a statement:
The ZRP has checked with all Police Stations and no report of alleged abduction or kidnapping of Tendai Biti has been received.
The Police is currently monitoring the situation.
The statement is issued after MDC Alliance spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere on Tuesday morning said she had spoken to Biti who seemed to show the effects of exhaustion.
Mahere said Biti seemed frazzled and said “pane zvirikuitika,” [something is happening.
Added Mahere in a tweet:
Mahere did not confirm nor deny reports that Biti’s Law Firm employees were also kidnapped on Tuesday morning.
Three employees at Biti’s Law Firm allegedly kidnapped and tortured by suspected state security agents on Monday morning.
The employees are Biti’s secretary Rosbud Chirima, Clever Rambanapasi (driver) Constantine Chaza (legal clerk) and Banda a security personnel.
He said he had to attend to something urgently but would revert to me as soon as he is able. This is the verified position. Please await further updates from our official channels.
In another tweet, Mahere dismissed reports that alleged that the party’s secretary-general Chalton Hwende had confirmed Biti’s alleged abduction.
The party’s treasurer-general, David Coltart, said he had spoken to Biti who said that suspected state operatives have been conducting surveillance and harrassing workers at his home and Law offices during the last few days and he feels “as if he is in Beirut”.
