The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in South Africa on Saturday charged that the car crash involving Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, in which his wife was killed, was not a ''genuine accident''."The truth of the matter is that this is not a genuine accident," said spokesman Sibanengi Dube in a statement.
"This is a perfect organised hit which was designed to eliminate the President of MDC."
"We sincerely believe that the powerful but notorious Zanu-PF clique is determined to do anything to scamper efforts by the inclusive government to get Zimbabwe back on the track," said Dube.
An MDC lawmaker reportedly said earlier the party would insist on an independent probe into the crash.
On Saturday President Kgalema Motlanthe wished Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai a speedy recovery.
"The thoughts and prayers of the people of South Africa and SADC [Southern African Development Community] region are with you while wishing you a speedy recovery to enable you to resume your national responsibilities as prime minister," said Motlanthe in a statement.
On Friday, Tsvangirai and his wife Susan were involved in a collision with a truck while on their way from Harare.
They were headed to a rally for Tsvangirai's political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
According to reports, initial investigations into the crash suggest that a truck which belonged to a US aid organisation, collided with Tsvangirais' sports utility vehicle (SUV).
The truck crossed into the oncoming lane and side-swiped Tsvangirai's vehicle, causing it to roll several times.
Susan, reportedly died on the scene and Tsvangirai is currently being treated for minor injuries at a Harare clinic.
The driver of the truck was arrested.
Former President Thabo Mbeki, on Saturday wrote a letter to Tsvangirai, to express his condolences.
Mbeki said his prayers was with the Tsvangirai family during their period of difficulty, and he wished Tsvangirai a speedy recovery in hospital.
ANC President Jacob Zuma also extended his condolences.
"On behalf of the African National Congress, we wish to extend to Prime Minister Tsvangirai and his family our heartfelt sympathies," said Zuma.
"The tragic passing away of Susan Tsvangirai has been felt by the people of this country and the region."
The ruling party president said the ANC wished Tsvangirai a "speedy and complete recovery" from his injuries.
President of the Congress of the People, Mosiuoa Lekota said: "We send our condolences and put our trust and hope in the leadership and the people of Zimbabwe that this tragedy will not detract them in their mission to rebuild their country."
The Azanian People's Organisation said : "Tsvangirai is one of the needed ingredients in the lasting peace and the processes of rebuilding the dilapidated Zimbabwe, which is further revealed by the road infrastructure that led to death [of his wife]," said spokesman Funani ka Ntontela.
"We hope that the people of Zimbabwe will be able to deal with the ordeal without putting undue politicisation in the matter," said Ntontela
The Congress of SA Trade Unions wished Tsvangirai a speedy and full recovery, "so that he can resume the struggle for a democratic and prosperous country."
Spokesman Patrick Craven said the federation supported the call for a "full investigation into the cause of the accident."
According to reports, Zimbabwe's finance minister Tendai Biti, said on Saturday that a police escort could have prevented the car crash.
"If there had been a police escort, what happened could not have happened," said Biti, "Police are making their own investigation, we are also making our own."
Source : Sapa /yj/nm
Date : 07 Mar 2009 17:42
