News / National
Mnangagwa launches bid to succeed Mugabe
28 Aug 2013 at 14:55hrs | Views
Outgoing Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, who as State Security Minister led the notorious Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) during the Gukurahundi Massacres, is now favourite to become the second President of Zimbabwe.
High level intelligence and army sources say that it is now just a matter of time before the ailing 89 year old Mugabe hands over power to the Midlands Province godfather, Nehanda Radio reported.
Mnangagwa has been seen "very frequently" at State House since Zanu-PF's controversial poll victory, where he is said to have been conducting a series of "closed door meetings with Mugabe".
The country's security chiefs, namely Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander, Constantine Chiwenga and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) boss, Augustine Chihuri are allegedly backing Mnangagwa, and have made their position known to Mugabe.
Nehanda Radio says it has also received intelligence, about "security meetings" taking place between Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, Chihuri and the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), presumably to plot the trained lawyer's entrance into executive power.
Mnangagwa is also the only out-going minister, who has continued working despite there being no new cabinet announced to run the affairs of the country.
Officials close to the President's office, which is an extension of the secret service say the shrewd politician is reporting to work at Defence House, prompting speculation that Mugabe is likely to keep him as defence minister.
There are also indications that Mugabe might appoint him into an equally powerful ministerial portfolio, but Mnangagwa appears to have settled well in defence, where he has been reportedly scheming his pathway to Munhumutapa Building for the past four years.
High level intelligence and army sources say that it is now just a matter of time before the ailing 89 year old Mugabe hands over power to the Midlands Province godfather, Nehanda Radio reported.
Mnangagwa has been seen "very frequently" at State House since Zanu-PF's controversial poll victory, where he is said to have been conducting a series of "closed door meetings with Mugabe".
The country's security chiefs, namely Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander, Constantine Chiwenga and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) boss, Augustine Chihuri are allegedly backing Mnangagwa, and have made their position known to Mugabe.
Mnangagwa is also the only out-going minister, who has continued working despite there being no new cabinet announced to run the affairs of the country.
Officials close to the President's office, which is an extension of the secret service say the shrewd politician is reporting to work at Defence House, prompting speculation that Mugabe is likely to keep him as defence minister.
There are also indications that Mugabe might appoint him into an equally powerful ministerial portfolio, but Mnangagwa appears to have settled well in defence, where he has been reportedly scheming his pathway to Munhumutapa Building for the past four years.
Source - Nehanda Radio
