Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and others arrested for defying a government ban on rallies will be prevented from leaving the country until they appear in court, a police spokesman said on Monday.

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Tsvangirai and dozens of opposition and civic group leaders were arrested last week when they tried to attend a rally. The MDC chief and many others said they were savagely beaten in police custody.

Tsvangirai, who left a hospital in Harare on Friday, and his colleagues face charges of public violence and convening an illegal rally. A court hearing last week was cancelled and a new date has not been set.

Crackdown

?The case is still pending and they have to appear in court first,? Wayne Bvudzijena, a police spokesman, told Reuters. ?I understand the dockets are ready so the case should proceed anytime.?

On Saturday two opposition officials were stopped at Harare?s airport on their way to seek medical treatment in South Africa. Arthur Mutambara, who leads a smaller MDC faction, was arrested as he attempted to travel to Zimbabwe?s neighbour.

MDC officials also said un-known men beat Nelson Chamisa, an MDC legislator and spokesman, on Sunday, one week after police launched their latest crackdown on forces opposed to President Robert Mugabe, triggering widespread international protests.

Zimbabwean officials have warned that police would use a heavy hand if the opposition tried any ?monkey games? and Mugabe, 83, has been defiant in the face of threats from the United States and others to tighten sanctions on his government.

Tsvangirai, however, vowed last week to continue fighting to end Mugabe?s 27-year rule, adding that democratic changes were in sight.

Defence lawyers have argued that the recent police crackdown was illegal and that Tsvangirai and other opposition members should remain free until they were charged. The charges they face usually lead to fines rather than jail.

State prosecutors were not available for comment yesterday.

MacDonald DZIRUTWE