Opposition says Mugabe followers killed 5

HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 19 (UPI) -- Opposition leaders in Zimbabwe say four activists and the wife of Harare's mayor, an opposition member, were found dead Thursday as the runoff election nears.

A Movement for Democratic Change blamed the deaths on Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, adding that 70 opposition party members have been killed since elections in March, CNN reported.

The body of the mayor's wife, Abigail Chiroto, 27, was found in a mortuary near the couple's home, MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. She and her 4-year-old son were kidnapped Tuesday and some of her abductors wore military uniforms, the spokesman said. The boy was released unharmed.

Opposition groups and churches reported forces loyal to Mugabe have stepped up violence and intimidation in advance of the June 27 runoff between Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai won more votes than Mugabe in the national election in March but did not receive the absolute majority needed to avoid a runoff.

MDC Secretary-General Tendai Biti is expected to appear in court soon on treason charges, which the party said were politically motivated, CNN said. He was arrested last week after returning to Zimbabwe from South Africa.