Tsvangirai accused of treason as China arms Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's government has ignored a significant call from South Africa to release the result of the presidential elections and has accused the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, of treason by plotting with Britain to overthrow the President, Robert Mugabe.

Themba Maseko, a South African government spokesman, said the situation in Zimbabwe was "dire". Mr Maseko said: "When elections are held and results are not released two weeks after, it is obviously of great concern."

The comments mark a significant shift from South African President Thabo Mbeki's policy towards Mr Mugabe's regime, which has has divided his own party, the ANC, and attracted stinging criticism.

But South Africa confirmed that it will not intervene to stop a shipment of Chinese-made weapons from reaching Zimbabwe, despite fears of a violent crackdown in the country.

A Chinese ship docked in Durban harbour late on Wednesday carrying three million rounds of ammunition for small arms, 3,500 mortar bombs and mortar tubes, as well as 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, according to local media.

Mr Maseko said that as long as the administrative papers are in order, South Africa cannot intervene to prevent weapons being transported through its territory to its landlocked neighbour. "We are not in a position to act unilaterally to prevent a trade deal between two countries. South Africa is not at all involved in the arrangement. It would be possible but very difficult for South Africa to start intervening and saying that we will not allow the shipment through."

Mr Mbeki used his nation's current presidency of the UN Security Council to prevent calls by Britain and others for Zimbabwe to be put on the council agenda on Wednesday. Afterwards, he admitted there were "things that have gone wrong" in Zimbabwe, and said opposition parties must be able to participate in verifying poll results.

Mr Tsvangirai, the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), called the treason charge "outrageous" and said the 84-year-old Mr Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since independence from Britain 28 years ago today, might be forced to "face justice".

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