President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on Wednesday accused his sacked deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa of scheming to take over his post and undermine him.
Mr. Mnangagwa, 75 years was sacked on Monday for being disloyal to Mr. Mugabe. The former intelligence chief was considered one of the potential successors to Mr. Mugabe who has been in power for decades.
The dismissed vice president recently clashed with the country’s first lady, Grace Mugabe over succession plan within the ruling Zanu-PF party
Mugabe during a rally on Wednesday told his supporters in Harare that “People were told that I will retire in March, but I did not.”
He said Mnangagwa “Upon realizing that I wasn’t, he started to consult traditional healers on when I was going to die. At some point, he was told that he would die first before me.”
The state-owned newspaper the Herald reported that President Mugabe claimed his former deputy lacked the supreme discipline and he would infiltrate the structures trying to influence rebellious conducts.
Grace Mugabe is now expected to be appointed Vice-President at a special congress of the ruling Zanu-PF party next month.
The second vice president, Phelekezela Mphoko urged President Mugabe to appoint a replacement for Mr. Mnangagwa urging him not to hesitate in naming his own wife, Grace Mugabe.
He said “In 2014, you appointed me to be your deputy. You also appointed my colleague but he is no longer with us. I am now lonely your Excellency, I felt it yesterday. Kindly appoint a counterpart for me.”
“I am glad because people have identified the one they want. Do not be afraid or ashamed to appoint your own wife. She is Zimbabwean and the people want her,” Mphoko added.
Source: Africafeeds.com
