Zimbabwe opposition leader calls on South Africa to intervene

Zimbabwe's main opposition leader today called on South African President Thabo Mbeki to act quickly to bring a resolution to the crisis in the neighbouring country.

Morgan Tsvangirai called for Mr Mbeki, who last week was appointed by regional leaders to mediate in Zimbabwe, to ensure free and fair elections were held next year.

"It is critical that President Mbeki act quickly and decisively to halt the suffering of millions of Zimbabweans," Mr Tsvangirai said. "There is no time to waste."

The Zimbabwean opposition leader is in Johannesburg to seek medical care after he and other opposition activists were assaulted by police on March 11.

"Mugabe's crackdown on our people leaves a trail of broken limbs, rape victims, torture victims and dead bodies," he said.