Tsvangirai, Mugabe headed for a titanic confrontation

Zimbabwe Premier Morgan Tsvangirai and President Mugabe are headed for a titanic confrontation over the re-appointment of police commissioner general Augustine Chihuri that could break apart the country's shaky inclusive government.  

Tsvangirai took a swipe at presidential spokesperson George Charamba Saturday, saying that the aide was "not a principal" who could pronounce on the deliberation of principals, and went on to insist that Chihuri was now acting head of the police.


The PM and his deputy Arthur Mutambara last week "convinced" Mugabe that Chihuri's term of office, which expired last month, should not be extended.

However, the much-criticised police chief continues in his acting or substantive capacity â€" depending on which political party one speaks to â€" as the principals strive to regularise the Police Service Commission which nominates and recommends to Mugabe the person to lead the police.

The controversial re-appointment Chihuri for another term of office is set to take centre stage at the principals' meeting today as Tsvangirai insists President Mugabe cannot act unilaterally.

Tsvangirai's spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka said the principals are meeting today to clear the confusion surrounding Chihuri's term of office.