Security forces on high alert amid fears of an MDC coup

Zimbabwe placed its security forces on high alert, increasing the number of roadblocks and patrols in cities across the country, to prevent the opposition Movement for Democratic Change from staging a coup, the government said.

The military and police are searching for weapons and “suspicious” people who may be preparing for war, deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga said today in a telephone interview from Harare, the capital.

“The opposition is recruiting youths to use as bandits to destabilize our country and topple the government,” he said.

Zimbabwe has been in political deadlock since September, when President Robert Mugabe, MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara, head of an MDC splinter group, agreed to share power. The enactment of the accord stalled amid disagreement over who would control key ministries. The MDC won control of Zimbabwe’s parliament in March elections, while Mugabe extended his 28-year rule of the country in a June vote when Tsvangirai withdrew, citing intimidation of his supporters.

MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa dismissed the government’s allegation that his party is trying to destabilize the country.

“The fact that they’ve suddenly increased their presence in a show of might means they believe their own absurd propaganda about bandits,” he said by phone from Harare. “There are no bandits. Why would the MDC, which contols parliament and thus government, want to destabilize itself?

Harare was today “inundated” with armed riot police, residents said.

Unity Square

“There are hundreds of police gathered around Africa Unity Square and patrolling the streets today,” Ephraim Jakaya, a street vendor, said by phone from the city. Africa Unity Square, in the center of Harare, has been used as a starting point for protests in the capital.

Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena confirmed the deployment of additional police officers and riot police.

“All our departments are on high alert as there are elements within the Movement for Democratic Change who are bent on destabilizing the country,” Bvudzijena said. “We will come down very heavily on anyone found carrying weapons.”

At least 17 MDC officials and human rights activists have been charged with offenses ranging from terrorism to recruiting insurgents for military training since Dec. 24. They form a group of as many as 42 people the MDC says have been kidnapped by state agents as Mugabe cracks down on dissent in Zimbabwe.