Mugabe’s ‘love-hate’ relationship with war vets

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe and war veterans have been entangled in a love-hate relationship for years, and in recent months, the flirtation birthed during the 1970 liberation war has come full circle.

First Lady Grace Mugabe’s entry into politics and the increasing influence of G40, a Zanu PF faction made up mostly of people without liberation war credentials, have stirred a storm in the now fractious party.

Mugabe himself admitted to the fluid relationship when he addressed a rally in Bindura last month and after he had touched down at the Harare International Airport from his Japan trip last Saturday.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.