Zimbabwe police suspended for favouring whites

Police in Zimbabwe say they have suspended three officers for allegedly giving preferential treatment to a group of white farmers in custody.

A senior officer Commissioner Assistant Wayne Bvudzijena told a French news agency AFP the three officers had given extra prison clothing for the detainees to make them feel comfortable.

He said this was a violation of prison rules.

More than twenty farmers are in custody facing charges of assault and inciting public violence.

The farmers say they were defending a colleague whose farm was invaded by black squatters.

Yesterday, Saturday President Robert Mugabe warned white farmers against organising attacks on black squatters.

His warning came as more white farmers and their families fled widespread looting and violence by government supporters in northern Zimbabwe. One farmer told the BBC there had been no attempt by the police to come to the aid of whites.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service