Mujuru booed at funeral

UNDER-FIRE Vice-President Joice Mujuru was yesterday booed by Zanu-PF supporters after she turned up at Stodart Hall for the body viewing of national hero ambassador Kotsho Dube.

This was her first public appearance after President Robert Mugabe publicly accused her of closing ranks with the MDC in an alleged bid to unconstitutionally eject him from power.

The VP, whose political star has been on the wane since the run-up to the party's congress, had skipped a series of Zanu-PF meetings, courting Mugabe's wrath.

There was tension at Stodart Hall when Mujuru arrived, although ministers present stood to greet her as per tradition.

Mujuru, however, ignored most of them and went straight to the family of the deceased.

She exchanged greetings with the service chiefs upon her arrival. The VP then drove off in her official vehicle to a chorus of boos and catcalls by Zanu-PF supporters, who had gathered at the venue.

She, however, did not attend the burial ceremony at the National Heroes' Acre.

During the congress, Mugabe attacked her for allegedly plotting to oust him by all means, including killing and bewitching him.

Mujuru did not set foot at the venue of the congress.

Speculation had been rife that Mugabe would demote her and give her a lesser post if she had apologised.

Zanu-PF sources said some of Mujuru's alleged accomplices had tried to apologise and make peace with Mugabe, but this was in vain.

Outgoing Zanu-PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa and Munacho Mutezo reportedly tried to plead with Mugabe to forgive them.

Nhema is also said to have sought forgiveness from Mugabe following reports of his links to plot the ouster of the 90-year-old leader.