'Father cholera' hands out presents

Dressed in a Santa Claus suit and wearing a Robert Mugabe mask, 'Father Cholera' dispensed gifts labelled devastation, murder, death, and cholera.

Protesters outside Zimbabwe's embassy said the major cholera outbreak will not be stopped whilst Mr Mugabe remains in power.

The figure representing Mr Mugabe, who was claimed the disease is under control, told the gathering: "There is no cholera in Zimbabwe!"

The demonstration was organised by the Zimbabwe Vigil, who have stood watch outside the embassy in The Strand every Saturday for more than six years, and says it will not stop its protests against the regime until internationally monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.

Vigil spokesperson Ephraim Tapa, said: "The cholera situation in Zimbabwe isn't going to go away as long as Mugabe is in charge. As long as he's President there won't be any change. The problem is now nationwide. It's an emergency and it continues to spread in the rural areas. There is no medication and the health system is corrupt.

"What we would want the international community to realise is the relationship between cholera and the political crisis. Unless the political system is dealt with then there won't be any positive changes.

"When Mugabe says 'I have arrested the spread of cholera', we say 'really'? We are here to expose that lie and to tell the international community that the cholera epidemic is still alive and spreading. Urgent action is needed."

As the symbolic presents were handed out protesters shouted 'Mugabe must go' and told passers by 'If you are in Zimbabwe this is the only present you get.'

Gordon Brown has urged Southern-African governments to distance themselves from Mr Mugabe, after the President insisted African leaders were not 'brave enough' to force him from office.