Mugabe attacks Mnangagwa camp

President Robert Mugabe yesterday made thinly-veiled threats against his ambitious potential successors, warning Zanu-PF supporters to guard against those who want to grab power through the back door without the people's support.

"We have rules and guidelines on how the party leadership is chosen from the branch level right up to the very top. It's all laid down in the party constitution. So what is this happening behind our backs?".

Mugabe also slammed VP Emmerson Mnangagwa's backers for attempting to move First Lady Grace Mugabe's rally next Thursday from Chimanimani to Mutare.

Mugabe's remarks, however, seemed directed at Mnangagwa whose ascendancy is being fiercely resisted internally.

"Some come to you and say support so and so, but the party has direction, we support the party. We support the leaders of the party. Those you chose. But those who want to position themselves … are causing confusion among the people," Mugabe said.

"We have rules and guidelines on how the party leadership is chosen from the branch level right up to the very top. It's all laid down in the party constitution. So what is this happening behind our backs?"

Mugabe also waded into the escalating Zanu-PF factional battles currently raging in Manicaland over Grace's visit next week.