Posted on 02/15/2003 10:30:20 PM PST by Clive
A former Zimbabwean police commander has told the BBC that police officers helped rig last year's presidential elections, won by Robert Mugabe.
He said that all police officers were told to vote three times in postal ballots and three more times in person - each time for Mr Mugabe.
Mr Tsvangirai has asked the courts to annul the results, alleging fraud and intimidation.
The government has denies these allegations and says the poll was free and fair.
In hiding
The former policeman says that he is ready to testify in support of Mr Tsvangirai's court case.
"I have all the proof that can help the MDC win its case in court. Mugabe did not win the presidential election. It is the police and other security organs which helped rig the election," said the former officer.
"There are some policemen who are willing to testify if they are assured of their safety," he said.
Election observers from the Commonwealth said the election was held in a "climate of fear", a finding backed up by western countries.
However, some African observers backed Mr Mugabe's re-election.
The 36-year-old is now on the run and is in hiding in Matabeleland South province.
He claims his life is in danger and that state security agents are after him.
He was the Beitbridge commander during the elections and says that his superiors checked all ballot papers and when he was found to have voted for Mr Tsvangirai, he was arrested and suspended.
He told the BBC that he was tortured by the police and government agents while in custody and threatened with death.
'Testify'
When they finally released him, other policemen told him to flee the country because his life was in danger.
He then illegally crossed the border into South Africa but was arrested by police in the border town of Messina.
He was accused of being an illegal immigrant and deported.
He managed to escape from state security agents in Zimbabwe and is now in hiding.
"I lost all my property. I have nothing. I am now a destitute yet I had everything," he said.
"I really want to expose this government before they kill me." the former police officer said.
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