HARARE – Zimbabwean prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday dismissed foul play as the cause of a car crash that injured him and killed his wife, Susan.
The statement eased concerns that the incident would deepen tensions in the new government.
After returning home from treatment for minor injuries in Botswana, Mr Tsvangirai told mourners that despite speculation over the cause of the accident the chance of foul play being involved was only “one in 1,000. It was an accident which unfortunately took a life. I am sure that life has to go on and Im sure she would have liked for life to go on. “
Many Zimbabweans are suspicious about Friday’s crash on a dangerous potholed highway, neglected like many others during the country’s economic decline.
The driver of the truck that slammed into Mr Tsvangirais vehicle and forced it to roll off the road appeared at a court in Chivhu, 150km (93 miles) south of Harare, yesterday.
Chinoona Mwanda was granted bail and remanded to return to court on March 23rd. “He’s quite distressed, he’s yet to come to grips with the reality that life was lost,” his lawyer, Chris Mhike, said.
Mr Tsvangirai’s wife of 31 years, a pillar of strength during 10 often trying years of opposition to Mugabe, is expected to be buried tomorrow. Today’s cabinet meeting was postponed until Thursday.
“It will be difficult to fill in the gap. We have gone through trials and tribulations together, I know it’s painful, but let’s mourn with hope,” said Mr Tsvangirai, his face swollen from injuries.
His wife’s death has raised questions over how quickly Mr Tsvangirai can recover from the loss and commit to tackling an economic meltdown which has brought 90 per cent unemployment, hyperinflation and shortages.
Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai signed a powersharing deal in September and formed a government after months of haggling.
Mr Tsvangirai must find a way to work with Mr Mugabe and win over western donors. The arrest of activists and other issues have created friction between them.
“Apart from the tragedy itself, I am worried about Tsvangirai’s . . . mental state. The country needs him badly,” said Tonderai Chari, an office worker.
“Who knows? Some good might come out of this, after all. The president visiting Tsvangirai in hospital might be the beginning of better relations, despite these sad circumstances.” – (Reuters)