Party urges Tsvangirai crash probe

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But the party warned Zimbabweans not to jump to conclusions about the cause.

Rumours that the crash which killed Susan Tsvangirai was not an accident were inevitable given the history of political violence in a country battered by economic and humanitarian crisis.

"We cannot talk of foul play ... until it has been proved what has really transpired," said Tendai Biti, Tsvangirai's number two in the Movement for Democratic Change party and the country's new finance minister.

He added that the crash "could have been avoided" had Tsvangirai been afforded the kind of motorcade that usually travels with President Robert Mugabe.

At a news conference at party headquarters in Harare, Biti called for an investigation.

Dr Douglas Gwatidzo, head of casualty at the Harare hospital where Tsvangirai was being treated, said the prime minister may be released from the hospital this weekend. He said Tsvangirai had head injuries and chest pains, but was in stable condition.

State television showed pictures of Tsvangirai in a neck brace, which Gwatidzo said was being used to keep him comfortable.

"We might release him today or tomorrow," Gwatidzo told reporters gathered at the hospital.

Ian Makone, a secretary to the prime minister and member of his Movement for Democratic Change party, said Tsvangirai was "very devastated by the death of his wife".