Prison for Zimbabwe Spies

Three prominent Zimbabweans with close ties to President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party have been jailed after being convicted of spying for South Africa.

The case has exposed the widening cracks between Mr Mugabe and the South African government.

Zimbabwe's ambassador-designate to Mozambique, Godfrey Dzvairo, was sentenced to six years in prison, while five-year terms were given to Itai Marchi, Zanu-PF's director for external affairs, and bank director Tendai Matambanadzo.

Two others are still on trial accused of spying, including Philip Chiyangwa, a flamboyant MP and alleged ringleader. The fifth suspect is Kenny Karidzo, Zanu-PF's top security officer.

The trials have been held in camera and the sentences handed down behind closed doors and leaked to the press. The three will appeal, said their lawyers.

"There are many questions about how these secret trials were conducted. It seems the magistrate accepted the state's case at face value," said a Harare lawyer.

South Africa has said little, but confirmed that one of its senior security officers was lured to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and is being held for coordinating the espionage ring.

The case shows how annoyed South African president Thabo Mbeki is by Mr Mugabe's refusal to reform. Mr Mbeki promised US president George Bush and British prime minister Tony Blair that his quiet diplomacy towards Zimbabwe would bring results.