The Daily Telegraph
8th February 2001
By David Blair in Harare
THE deputy leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change has been charged with “incitement to violence” in an escalation of President Mugabe’s action against his opponents.
Gibson Sibanda appeared in a magistrate’s court in Bulawayo on Tuesday and was charged under the notorious Law and Order (Maintenance) Act. Originally passed by the British colonial government to jail black nationalists, including Mr Mugabe, the legislation gives the authorities sweeping powers to act against dissidents.
Mr Sibanda allegedly urged MDC supporters to attack members of the ruling Zanu-PF party during a rally on Sunday. He was granted bail until March 4. David Coltart, justice spokesman for the MDC, dismissed the charges as “ridiculous”.
The move came as squatters made another violent attempt to force a white farmer to flee his land. Armed with spears and axes, a mob of 50 surrounded Chris Thorne’s homestead on Irenedale farm, near Glendale, 30 miles from Harare, which is listed for takeover by the government.
Mr Thorne’s mother, Baye, 87, was bundled out of her cottage nearby and forced to take refuge in the farmhouse, where a tense stand-off ensued. By last night, the arrival of police and neighbouring farmers had calmed the situation.