News / National
'Those who fear me are not honest people,' said Mnangagwa
12 Dec 2014 at 17:33hrs | Views
Zimbabweans have for years read stories of a ruthless and heartless Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe's vice President, widely known as "The Crocodile" and viewed by many as a hardliner in President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.
Mnangagwa, 68, has served in Mugabe's government since 1980 and is viewed as one of his most trusted lieutenants.
Mnangagwa told VOA Zimbabweans have nothing to fear. "Those who fear me are not honest people," said Mnangagwa - a man of few words.
"They are afraid of relating to an honest person and those who love me know that my life is a straight one, an open book," added Mnangagwa.
He said he's unfazed by alleged attempts on his life, dismissing reports of animosity between him and former vice president Joice Mujuru as a creation of the media.
President Mugabe revealed on Wednesday that a cyanide attack targeting Mnangagwa at his office had instead left his secretary battling for her life. The matter is under investigation.
Mnangagwa takes over from Joice Mujuru, who deputized Mugabe for 10 years and until recently, was seen as the most likely successor to the ageing leader.
But her chances collapsed in the face of a blistering campaign fronted by First Lady, Grace Mugabe, accusing her of graft and plotting to unseat Mugabe.
She has vehemently denied the accusations.
Though Mugabe said Wednesday Mnangagwa will serve in a ceremonial capacity, many believe the ageing leader tapped him to solve the succession conundrum that has haunted his party for years.
Mnangagwa, 68, has served in Mugabe's government since 1980 and is viewed as one of his most trusted lieutenants.
Mnangagwa told VOA Zimbabweans have nothing to fear. "Those who fear me are not honest people," said Mnangagwa - a man of few words.
"They are afraid of relating to an honest person and those who love me know that my life is a straight one, an open book," added Mnangagwa.
He said he's unfazed by alleged attempts on his life, dismissing reports of animosity between him and former vice president Joice Mujuru as a creation of the media.
Mnangagwa takes over from Joice Mujuru, who deputized Mugabe for 10 years and until recently, was seen as the most likely successor to the ageing leader.
But her chances collapsed in the face of a blistering campaign fronted by First Lady, Grace Mugabe, accusing her of graft and plotting to unseat Mugabe.
She has vehemently denied the accusations.
Though Mugabe said Wednesday Mnangagwa will serve in a ceremonial capacity, many believe the ageing leader tapped him to solve the succession conundrum that has haunted his party for years.
Source - Byo24News
