Mutinhiri refuses to 'surrender' as VP race hots up

ZANU-PF Politburo member Ambrose Mutinhiri, who has thrown his hat into the race for the Vice -Presidency, says reports that he joined the Front for Liberation in Zimbabwe (Frolizi) during the liberation struggle would not dent his chances of landing the coveted post as he was only "guilty by association".

Mutinhiri, a retired Brigadier-General and former Zipra Chief of Staff, said he was confident that he would land the post when Zanu-PF holds its elective congress in December in what promises to be a tight contest.

He joins Zanu-PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo, considered a front-runner in the race, former Ambassador to South Africa and fellow founding Zipra commander Phelekezela Mphoko, Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi and Zanu-PF politburo member and former PF-Zapu national chairman Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu.

"Yes, I've thrown my hat into the ring for the job. The party has not given anyone a go ahead to campaign but naturally you have to tell people about the decision that you've made," said Mutinhiri.

"I'm confident that I will win. I will not talk about others who want the position. I'm my own man and product."

Media reports this week indicated that Mutinhiri's history with Frolizi could impact negatively on his campaign.

But he told a local daily:

"It's not an issue because it's not true. I never joined Frolizi. The reports say Chikerema was the leader of Frolizi yet in actual fact it was led by Shelton Siwela. I'm guilty by association because I was close to Chikerema and Nyandoro".