Zimbabwe refuses to comment on pilot's arrest

South African pilot Brent Smyth

Zimbabwean police would not comment on why South African pilot Brent Smyth was arrested during a series of flights chartered to ferry Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) presidential hopeful Morgan Tsvangirai to the last rallies of his election campaign. "We will issue a statement at 2pm, I cannot give you anything," spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said today.

Smyth's fiancée said he had sent her an SMS early today to say that he had been removed from the Harare central police station and was being taken to another venue for questioning. Drieksie Janse van Rensburg said: "Naturally I am worried. I have no idea why he was arrested."

"We spoke to the Civil Aviation Authority in Zimbabwe and they said all his documents were up to date and immigration said there was no problem." She said Smyth has citizenship in South Africa, the UK and Hong Kong.

MDC treasurer Roy Bennett said Smyth could possibly be deported. This meant that Tsvangirai would have to skip a number of rallies in key rural areas, adversely affecting his campaigning. "But he is trying to get out as best he can," said Bennett. - Sapa