Mugabe 'tried to solve fuel crisis with witchcraft'

Desperate Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe employed a witch doctor who claimed she could produce diesel from rocks in an attempt to ease the nation's crippling fuel shortages, it was revealed today.

She was given two head of cattle, three buffaloes, money, a car and a piece of land from Mugabe and other cabinet ministers, promising in return to use spells to produce the diesel outside Chinhoyi, 70 miles from Harare.

But instead of invoking spirits, she bought refined diesel from truckers plying the route from neighbouring Zambia and piped it into the rocks.

State media said Mugabe himself ordered Rotina Mavunga's arrest for fraud last month - more than a year after the saga began.

"We are not going to be too hard on her. We just want the truth and to know who put her up to such things," Mugabe was quoted as saying.

Mugabe, 83, said police were afraid to pursue Mavunga. While most Zimbabweans are Christian, many also hold ancient beliefs in the powers of tribal ancestors.

Mugabe said at one point he sent a delegation of his most senior colleagues, including the state security minister, the defence minister and the police minister to investigate the claims.

When they returned without a clear answer, he dispatched the ministers of energy, mines and science and technology and a third delegation of top military and police officers.