Mugabe shuts door on Mnangagwa

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has effectively ruled out his two deputies, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, from the succession race, declaring in excerpts of a yet-to-be-aired interview to mark his 93rd birthday, that he would rather cling onto power for now until an “acceptable successor” has been identified.

“The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, a successor, who to them is acceptable, as acceptable as I am,” he said.

The remarks effectively shut the door for Mnangagwa, who until recently was touted as the front runner and Mugabe’s heir apparent.

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