Zimbabwe (MRB Nov 2001): Arrest increases tension in Matabeleland.

[MRB Nov 01] Tensions continued to rise in Matabeleland after an outbreak of mob violence there this month. At the same time rivalries between the former liberation armies have been resuscitated after the arrest of a prominent former Zipra commander.

Former Zapu cadre and retired army colonel Eddie Mlotshwa was arrested over the murder of Bulawayo war veterans chairman Cain Nkala found dead earlier this month.

Mlotshwa, known in military circles as Sigoge, was a Zipra guerrilla trainer in Zambia and was arrested this month alongside 14 opposition Movement for Democratic Change leaders in the aftermath of Nkala's death.

Nkala, who was buried at Heroes' Acre in Harare after being declared a national hero, was a Zipra guerrilla and a subordinate of Sigoge in Zambia.

A retired Zipra army officer told that independent Standard newspaper that Mlotshwa had been on a Zanla hit-list for his role in attacks during the liberation war period against Zanla after fighting between Zipra and Zanla when they were attempting to create a unified army. Zapu guerrillas then left Tanzania and returned to Zambia.

Sigoge's connection with the MDC is through Patrick Nabanyama, the polling agent for Bulawayo South MP David Coltart, who has been missing since before last year's election. Sigoge's wife and Nabanyama's wife are sisters.

Former Zipra cadres who are now part of Zanu-PF structures in Matabeleland are calling for the immediate release of their former commander, and some have threatened to withdraw their support for the ruling party. They are joining other malcontents who believe their chances for advancement as ex-Zapu members inside the government have been downgraded by the preferential treatment given by Mugabe to his hardline ...