A NEWSPAPER has taken the extraordinary step of publishing two mobile numbers of Finance Minister Tendai Biti, while accusing him of infidelity.

The Zanu PF-leaning Sunday Mail newspaper claims married Biti has been romping with Petronella Chishawa, a desk economist in the ministry.

The woman’s husband, Caesar Matandirotya, is reportedly taking legal action against the minister after separating from his wife with whom they have a son.

The Mail published an affidavit reportedly authored by Matandirotya in which he claims the minister called his wife several times, although she tried a cover-up.

And in an unprecedented step, the Mail published two numbers which allegedly called Chishawa’s number – including one that is used by journalists for media contact with the Finance Minister.

The decision to publish the numbers would be seen as an escalation of state media attacks on Biti, who is being vilified for repeatedly clashing with President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party over the management of the country’s economy.

In recent weeks, the Mail has published a series of stories claiming Biti was blocking pay increases for civil servants, previously promised by Mugabe.

A source close to the minister said last night: “Biti has survived arrests, torture and petrol bombs. He cannot be sidetracked by idle state media attacks.”