Morgan Tsvangirai could return to Zimbabwe as early as today to
organise the funeral of his wife, Susan, who died when the car they
were travelling in was hit by a US aid lorry carrying British relief
supplies.Mr Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister in a power-sharing Government with President Mugabe, had gone to neighbouring Botswana for rest and medical treatment after Friday's crash.
Supporters in his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) had feared that a prolonged absence would leave hardliners within the Government free to force through their agenda. But an MDC official said last night that Mr Tsvangirai would be back in time to organise Wednesday's funeral. He is expected to return tonight.
Mr Tsvangirai left hospital on Saturday, unsupported but with a baseball cap over his bandaged head, after treatment for severe head, neck and chest bruising.
The incident sparked suspicion that the collision was an attempt on his life, though the MDC has been careful to avoid fanning potential retribution. Tendai Biti, the party's No 3, said: We cannot talk about foul play until it has been proved what really transpired.
Mr Tsvangirai flew to Botswana on Saturday at the invitation of President Khama, his staunchest ally among Southern African leaders. He needs peace and quiet, and he's not going to get it at home, a senior MDC official said.
Yesterday the road outside Mr Tsvangirai's house in suburban Harare was filled with hundreds of mourners in MDC T-shirts, singing Shona funeral songs, dancing and beating drums. Mrs Tsvangirai, 50, will be buried at her rural home of Buhera.
Each day since Mr Tsvangirai was sworn in on February 11 has involved close combat with Mr Mugabe, his ministers and senior officials trying to obstruct the MDC's plan to rebuild the economy, restore human rights and deal with Africa's worst cholera epidemic and a national famine.
This week he was due to deal with an attempt by Mr Mugabe to grab back the Information Technology Ministry after it emerged that the Government's electronic surveillance department whose prime task was to spy on the MDC had been handed to one of Mr Tsvangirai's ministers.
Colleagues feared that a prolonged absence would seriously damage the MDC.
A week is a long time, let alone a fortnight, in Zimbabwean politics, the commentator Eldred Masunungure said. The real threat is from the hardliners in Zanu (PF). They may even be celebrating the tragedy. They will probably be ordering full steam ahead on their agenda, and will take full advantage of Tsvangirai's absence.
A grinning young man in a silver SUV yesterday demonstrated the intense hatred felt by many in Zanu (PF) for Mr Tsvangirai and the MDC. He drove the car at high speed through the crowd of mourners milling outside the Tsvangirai's home.
The Times (UK)
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