Charges against Tsvangirai based on videotape
Posted: Wednesday, March 20, 2002

The charges, based on a videotape which shows Mr Tsvangirai discussing the assassination of Mr Mugabe with a political consultant.

The allegations against Mr Tsvangirai were made by a Canadian political consultancy, Dickens and Madson, headed by former Israeli intelligence officer.

The Canadian political consultancy claims that someone representing Mr Tsvangirai approached it in order to have Mr Mugabe killed.

The head of the consultancy, Ari Ben-Menashe, who had previously worked for Mr Mugabe says he was shocked by the proposal and immediately contacted the Zimbabwe Government.

Mr Tsvangirai admits meeting Mr Ben-Menashe, a former intelligence officer in the Israeli army, but stresses it was to carry out lobbying work in North America.

In one of the exchanges broadcast on Australian television, Mr Tsvangirai allegedly says:

"We can now definitely say that Mugabe is going to be eliminated?"

Mr Ben-Menashe replies:

"Are you in a position basically to ensure a smooth transition of power?"

"Yes, I have no doubt about it," replies Mr Tsvangirai.

Some reports claim that the tape was doctored. 

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