Zimbabwe MDC 'plotters' released

Roy Bennett was released from prison last year for assaulting an MP

Six people arrested in Zimbabwe last week over an alleged plot against President Robert Mugabe have been released and charges dropped.

One of the accused, Peter Hitschmann, remains in custody.

Giles Mutseyekwa, an MP from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change was among those released.

The MDC was unable to confirm or deny reports that former MP Roy Bennett - who was also wanted in connection with the alleged plot - had fled Zimbabwe.

Seven people arrested last week appeared in a magistrate's court in Mutare on Wednesday morning.

Charges were dropped against all except Mr Hitschmann, in whose house the state claimed an arms cache was found.

"The prosecutor has withdrawn the case before plea... which is a step where charges are dropped for lack of evidence or because the police cannot finish investigations," lawyer Trust Manda told Reuters news agency.

"All of the MDC people have been released - the state's case has been thrown out," MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told the BBC News website following the court appearance.

Bennett 'safe'

The government-run newspaper The Herald reported on Wednesday that Mr Bennett, who has been in hiding for several days, had fled to South Africa via Mozambique.

Robert Mugabe celebrated his 82nd birthday last month

Asked about the report, Mr Chamisa replied: "We can neither deny nor confirm that information, but we can confirm Roy Bennett is safe."

The eight men arrested were charged under security laws of possession of weapons to carry out an insurgency, sabotage or terrorism, lawyer Trust Manda told the AFP news agency.

Documents presented to the magistrate's court said the eight men had plotted to kill Mugabe when he travelled to the city on 25 February for a party to celebrate his 82nd birthday.

The eight include MDC MP Giles Mutsekwa, and Peter Hitschmann, who is reported to be a former member of the Rhodesian security forces.

It is at his home, in Mutare, that a weapons cache including automatic rifles, ammunition and tear gas canisters was allegedly found.

The Zimbabwe authorities claim that Mr Hitschmann is linked to an organisation called the Zimbabwe Freedom Movement, and that this group is seeking to overthrow Mr Mugabe's government.

The MDC has denied all knowledge of the alleged plot, and says it is an attempt by the state to derail the party's congress next Friday.