Harare, June 09: The Secretary General of Zimbabwe's Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Welshman Ncube, was arrested today in Harare, a police spokesman said. Ncube was arrested as he made his way to the high court, where MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai appeared to answer treason charges brought in connection with a series of anti-government protests held last week, police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said.

State radio said that Ncube was being charged with urging MDC supporters to rise up against the government. Tsvangirai was arrested and charged with treason on Friday on a similar accusation.

Both Tsvangirai and Ncube are already on trial for treason for allegedly plotting to eliminate president Robert Mugabe ahead of last year's presidential elections, in which Mugabe beat Tsvangirai.
The two opposition leaders deny the charges which can carry the death penalty on conviction.

Meanwhile, Tsvangirai appeared set to spend a fourth night in police cells today after his lawyers said they would apply for him to be placed on remand, or to be granted bail.

Bureau Report