Zambia says it is ready to deport opposition leader and former Finance Minister Tendai Biti.
Foreign Minister, Joe Malanji says Zambia has refused to offer asylum to Mr Biti on meritorious grounds.
He indicated that Zambia is keeping Mr. Biti for safe custody now before he heads back to Harare.
He said it is not up to Zambia to tell when Tendai Biti will go back, adding that they are awaiting directive from Harare.
Earlier reports had noted that the fleeing politician had been arrested as he attempted to enter Zambia but Zimbabwe intelligence records show that hundreds of traders blocked his arrest allowing him to enter Zambia.
Mr Biti, a leader of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, is being sought by the Zimbabwean authorities for his alleged role in post-election violence that has claimed six lives.