In Harare, South African President Thabo Mbeki has met President Robert Mugabe to discuss the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

Mr Mbeki did not meet any representatives of Zimbabwe's opposition, who are still engaged in a bitter power struggle with Mr Mugabe's government after the recent elections.

Reports from Zimbabwe say an increasing number of opposition supporters are being intimidated and assaulted by supporters of Mr Mugabe.

There have been at least 900 violent incidents reported in the past two weeks with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions reporting that two of its leaders had been arrested for inciting anti-government protests.

One week ago, Zimbabwe's electoral committee announced that a second round of voting would have to be held in the presidential elections, causing objections from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

The MDC is objecting to a second round, arguing that a fair vote is impossible in the current climate of violence.