Zimbabwe general Mujuru died with his small house

Mujuru, (62), was a former army chief, often seen as Zimbabwe's "king-maker" in the battle to succeed President Mugabe. He is said to be have died in an electrical fire that broke out at his farm in Beatrice. He died together with his girlfriend whose name was not immediately given. His estranged wife Joice was said to be at the Chisipite home when the fire broke out.

Air Marshall Henry Muchena confirmed that General Mujuru has died.

"It's true, Cde Rex Nhongo is no more," he said.

Zanu PF politburo members close family relatives and friends confirmed that Mujuru died during a suspicious inferno which gutted his farm house.

His wife, Vice President Joice Mujuru was not at the farm house as she lives in Harare while her husband spent much time at the farm.

Zanu (PF) spokesman Rugare Gumbo said he was not yet aware of the death: "I haven't heard that. I don't know anything. If we get in information we will let you know."

But a Zanu (PF) Politburo source confirmed that the General had indeed died. Another Central Committee member confirmed that Mujuru had died.

Under his nom de guerre, Rex Nhongo, Mujuru spearheaded the guerrilla forces during the 1970s war of independence, which ended white minority rule.

He is also said to have played a key role in Mugabe's rise to the top of the Zanu party.

Following independence, he served as army chief, rising to become one of the most celebrated army generals.

He served as Member of Parliament for the north-eastern Chikomba constituency, before leaving public life in 1995 to concentrate on his sprawling business empire.

He was expected to be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre with full military and State honours.

Byo24News will monitor developments of this breaking story and will bring more details later.