Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai calls off plans to remarry

HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai announced Wednesday that he has called off plans to remarry, blaming state security agents for infiltrating his private life.

Last week state media reported that Tsvangirai had married a Harare businesswoman Locadia Tembo, whose sister is a lawmaker for President Robert Mugabe's party, after a traditional ceremony and payment of a bride price of $36,000 and 15 cattle to his in-laws.

"This relationship has been irretrievably damaged to a point where marriage is now inconceivable," Tsvangirai said in a statement.

"The 'marriage' has been hijacked and there is an apparent active political hand that is now driving the processes," he said.

"State security agents have also weighed in to force and direct proceedings which has resulted in everything regarding this relationship now taking place in camera, with the public media journalists in tow."

However, the premier admitted that he had sent a delegation to Tembo's family on November 18, "to perform traditional and cultural rites to formalise this relationship".

"My genuine intention has been betrayed and hearts have had to search long and hard to the true meaning of this well-choreographed drama that has now been hijacked to cause political damage on my person and character," he said.

Tsvangirai's first wife of 31 years, Susan, was killed in a car accident in March 2009, just weeks after he formed a unity government with his long-time rival Mugabe following failed elections in 2008.

He said has communicated his position with Tembo's family.

He described the last two weeks as "bad" for him and his family, after reports of his alleged marriage were splashed across media, adding that Tembo might not be the right woman for him.

"When the time comes, and when the right person fit to be a reliable partner and mother of my children is found, I will advise the nation accordingly," he said.