Biti Okay, But Feels "As If He Is In Beirut" - Coltart
MDC Alliance co-vice president Tendai Biti is “okay”, the party’s treasurer-general David Coltart has confirmed.
There was heightened anxiety in opposition circles on Tuesday morning after social media reports claimed that Biti was abducted from his Harare home on Monday night by armed suspected State agents.
Coltart on Tuesday midday said he had spoken to Biti who assured him that he was fine but believes his offices and home have been under surveillance by suspected state operatives over the past few days.
Biti said he feels as if he is in Beirut, in reference to the capital city of Lebanon, a small Arab country situated along the Mediterranean coastline, that has experienced instability in recent months including unexplained explosions and street gunfights involving militias. Said Coltart:
I have just spoken to @BitiTendai and he is okay. However, he says that suspected state operatives have been conducting surveillance at his home and law offices during the last few days and he feels “as if he is Beirut”. Please join me in praying for his safety.
Earlier, MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere dismissed the claims that Biti had been abducted. Mahere tweeted:
I spoke very briefly with VP @BitiTendai. He seemed frazzled & said “pane zvirikuitika.” He said he had to attend to something urgently but would revert to me as soon as he is able. This is the verified position. Please await further updates from our official channels.
In another tweet, Mahere distanced MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende from a report circulating on social media platforms which claimed that he confirmed Biti’s alleged abduction. Said Mahere:
Please be advised that SG @hwendec has not spoken to any journalists and the fake news article quoting him as having spoken about the whereabouts of VP @BitiTendai is untrue. Please disregard any information that doesn’t emanate from our official channels.
