Officials of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change in Manicaland province said two activists were detained Thursday by police in Nyazura, Makoni South, for more than two hours after they used a mobile loudspeaker to publicize some political rallies.

The rallies in Rusape and Mutare, provincial capital, are scheduled to be addressed by MDC founder and prime minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai.

Officers seized car keys from the two MDC activists, threatening to charge them with making a public nuisance by announcing the rallies with a bullhorn or loud-hailer, in local parlance.

MDC activist Blessing Dhimba told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that he and his fellow activist were released after receiving a stern warning if they continued to make public announcements in this manner police would open fire on their car.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...