Mphoko applied to be VP

VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko applied for the post and reportedly systematically gathered information on Emmerson Mnangagwa's  involvement in Gukurahundi massacres as part of a campaign to discredit him.

According to the Zimbabwe Independent, Mphoko who was shockingly elevated to the post last December, sent his CV to President Mugabe.

Wrote the Zimbabwe Independent: "Following his return from South Africa early last year ahead of Zanu PF's critical congress in December, Mphoko worked assiduously, initially in Matabeleland, to eliminate his former Zapu colleagues to replace the late Vice-President John Nkomo who had died a year earlier.

"After much hard work and political shenanigans, made easier by the fact that former Zipra intelligence chief Dumiso Dabengwa had already left Zanu PF and other remaining possible contenders were divided and not suitable for different reasons, Mphoko and other former Zapu leaders met in Gweru in September 2013 and agreed that current party spokesperson Khaya Moyo should replace Nkomo.

"However, Mphoko decided to subvert their resolutions and persisted with his agenda. He reportedly approached Mugabe and other senior party officials to market himself.

"He even did something unusual in politics: He applied for a job as Vice- President of Zimbabwe by sending his application and CV to Mugabe."

The move paid dividends as he was eventually appointed co-vice-president with Mnangagwa in the aftermath of the controversial party congress.