Mugabe against Mujuru: Bob moves in for the kill

05 December 2014 - 02:15 By AFP and Nhlalo Ndaba
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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe speaking at the Zanu-PF elective congress in Harare on 4 December 2014. Mugabe warned that his embattled deputy could face criminal charges .
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe speaking at the Zanu-PF elective congress in Harare on 4 December 2014. Mugabe warned that his embattled deputy could face criminal charges .
Image: JEKESAI NIJIKIZAMA/AFP

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe tried yesterday to shut down a seething succession battle at an elective party congress, warning that his embattled deputy and one-time heir apparent might face criminal charges.

As he sought to end years of unrest within the ruling Zanu-PF, during which key lieutenants have jockeyed for position in anticipation of his days in power coming to an end, Mugabe suggested more purges were on the way.

But the 90-year-old president, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, is likely to emerge from this week's congress as the undisputed party leader, the next presidential candidate - and with his enemies purged.

On Wednesday he slapped down speculation that he would stand down as "foolish" and idiotic".

A series of top officials, including former spokesman Rugare Gumbo, have been expelled from the party but it is Vice-President Joice Mujuru who has borne the brunt of the assault.

Seen as a relative moderate, she has endured a sustained campaign against her led by Mugabe's wife, Grace, who publicly accused Mujuru of corruption and plotting to assassinate Mugabe.

Last week Mujuru failed to win a seat on the ruling party's central committee, and was not present yesterday to hear Mugabe describe her as a "thief" and "crook", while hinting at police action against her.

"As you can see, there are gaps here," Mugabe said referring to Mujuru's seat.

"Some of our colleagues did not turn up even though we have not chased them away," Mugabe told about 12000 delegates at Robert Mugabe Square, central Harare.

He said there had been no explanation for Mujuru's absence.

"That's the way of crooks. If cases against them are proved, they will be charged," he said.

"Influential doubting Thomases within our midst have long deserted their posts [and] found new friends in the MDC [the opposition Movement for Democratic Change]. They became a treacherous cabal, formed dirty alliances, dirty conspiracies, which sought to destabilise the party," he said.

Mugabe accused his deputy of treason: ''Wanting a post should not lead someone into plotting to kill," he said.

The conference ends tomorrow.

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