'Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe'

ZANU PF national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has hinted that Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa could succeed President Robert Mugabe, saying he is the most trusted by the 91-year-old leader.

Mugabe has kept his cards close to his chest on who he wants to succeed him.

Speaking in Mutare on Tuesday at a campaign rally to drum up support for Zanu-PF Dangamvura-Chikanga candidate Esau Mupfumi at St Mary's Secondary School, Kasukuwere said Mnangagwa was Mugabe's most trusted lieutenant.

"In December, President Robert Mugabe announced his deputies and Vice-President Mnangagwa was appointed," he said.

"It was not a mistake because this position is given to those people who are clean. He is trusted most by President Robert Mugabe and he is loyal to the Head of State. He is the commander of commanders."

Kasukuwere continued to gush praises of the VP, saying in Mugabe's absence, Mnangagwa was in charge.

Kasukuwere said Mnangagwa had been involved in the greater part of Mugabe's political life and was close to the veteran leader.

"For those who read our history, VP Mnangagwa was always at all major events with the President," he said.