'Mutasa is a graying ass just braying,' says Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe returned home from his annual leave today and immediately fired a salvo at the party's former Secretary for Administration, Didymus Mutasa, describing him as a straying grey ass and fool who can not be corrected.

Mugabe apologised for extending his stay abroad while his wife was receiving medical treatment.

"I would like to say we are sorry, we took a long time away from home," he said addressing government, party officials and supporters gathered at the main airport to welcome him back.

In his address, Mugabe disparaged long-time ally Didymus Mutasa who was among a host of party officials expelled in a purge against allies of Mugabe's former deputy Joice Mujuru.

"A stupid fool cannot be corrected," Mugabe said referring to former presidential affairs minister Mutasa.

"There is nothing you can do to a straying grey ass. It's a graying ass just braying. We have no time for individuals of little brains, disorganised, mentally deranged if not close to being insane."

Mutasa issued a statement last week threatening a legal appeal against the expulsion and demotions of several Zanu-PF party officials including Mujuru and party spokesperson Rugare Gumbo.

Mujuru and Mutasa were accused along with several others of plotting to topple Mugabe in a sustained campaign of attacks by the first lady.