Morgan Tsvangirai leaves hospital

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has visited his old rival Morgan Tsvangirai in hospital following a crash that killed his wife. Susan Tsvangirai, the Zimbabwean Prime Minister's wife of 31 years, was fatally injured when a truck slammed into their vehicle. Mr Tsvangirai suffered head and neck wounds in the crash on one of Zimbabwe's busiest and most dangerous roads. His Movement for Democratic Change party has made no suggestion foul play was involved. Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai formed a power-sharing government in February after months of negotiations to try to end a political and economic crisis that has brought Zimbabwe to the edge of ruin. The crash occurred 30 miles south of the capital Harare as Tsvangirai headed to his rural home in Buhera along the potholed Harare-Masvingo highway, one of the many routes neglected in the economic crisis. Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said: "A haulage truck encroached into the lane of the Prime Minister's car, resulting in a side-swipe which resulted in the Prime Minister's car, a 4-by-4 Toyota Landcruiser, rolling over three times." Mr Tsvangirai, who turns 57 on Tuesday, had six children with Susan, who was very popular among MDC supporters. Susan, 50, avoided the spotlight but stood by her husband throughout his many ordeals as Mugabe's most determined opponent. Tsvangirai has faced a treason trial and been beaten in police custody. The former union leader has been beaten up by Mr Mugabe's supporters and has faced a treason trial after calling for a change of government.

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ITN | March 7, 2009

Tags:. .buhera. .masvingo. .landcruiser. .haulage. .treason