Tsvangirai ignores threats

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai will return to his country on Saturday despite assassination threats.

The head of the Movement for Democratic Change said he will work to end the political crisis that has caused millions to flee the country.

Mr Tsvangirai made the announcement in Alexandra township on a visit to Zimbabwean refugees of South Africa's xenophobic violence which has killed 42 people in the past 11 days.

He faces President Robert Mugabe in a presidential run-off vote on June 27 and has been out of the country garnering support since April 8, following the disputed March 29 elections.

Mr Tsvangirai earlier postponed his return to Zimbabwe after his party said it had discovered a plot to assassinate him.

MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the party planned two rallies over the weekend, but could not confirm if Mr Tsvangirai would address them.

"We have rallies on Saturday and Sunday in the Midlands, as part of our campaign for the run-off," Mr Chamisa said.

Zimbabweans hope the June poll will help end political and economic turmoil which has brought chronic food and fuel shortages and sent a flood of refugees to neighbouring countries.

Mr Tsvangirai blamed the crisis for forcing many Zimbabweans to emigrate to neighbouring countries.

"The cause of this crisis is none other than our political situation back home," said Mr Tsvangirai, standing on a wooden table in a police station's car park where a couple of hundred African immigrants have sought refuge.

He said the MDC would try to arrange transport for Zimbabweans who want to return to their country.

An estimated 3 million Zimbabweans live in South Africa.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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