Mugabe blasts Zanu-PF men who are loose and promiscuous

President Robert Mugabe yesterday blasted senior officials in his party who have been making headlines due to their failed marriages, saying they were setting a bad example to their families and were a disgrace to the nation.

The remarks by Mugabe are likely to touch a raw nerve in his Zanu-PF party as senior officials like ministers Ignatius Chombo, Francis Nhema, Sylvester Nguni and party chairman Simon Khaya Moyo's divorces have dominated headlines in recent years.

"I have been interacting with many people from Zimbabwe and other countries," Mugabe said at the official opening the third Zimbabwe Local Government Association biennial conference in Mutare.

"I noticed that men have a tendency to be loose. When you are married, you should respect that marriage."

Mugabe accused his ministers of setting a bad example for their children who suffered the circumstances of being brought up in broken homes.

"There has been a number of divorces and I do not think that is building us at all," the President lamented.

"We are creating difficult circumstances for our children. Do not spoil our nation. Pay great attention to our kids because they will grow up seeing that behaviour from you."

Mugabe said his lieutenants were losing the respect of the people they led and this was breeding mistrust. He said he had heard a lot concerning the divorces, but he did not go into detail.

Besides politicians, Mugabe said any person who holds public office should not be promiscuous.