'In Zanu-PF we used to demand kickbacks from investors,' says Mujuru

OPPOSITION Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) leader Joice Mujuru has accused Zanu-PF ministers of frustrating several multi-million-dollar investors keen to invest in the country by demanding bribes.

Addressing a campaign rally at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera on Saturday, the former Vice-President said the economy was bound to continue nosediving as long as the "corrupt Zanu-PF government remained in power".

"Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West Provinces used to produce enough food for this nation even during droughts, but that is no longer the case, because these people have failed. We told them of some companies that wanted to do the Kunzvi Dam project and they said John Mapondera is a thief," she said.

"The Nigerians then came to do the same project, and they (ministers) said they are thieves as well, all because they did not receive kickbacks. And today, they have brought that (Nigerian) man, who deals in cement; Aliko Dangote has come, where is he from Mr President?" she asked rhetorically, drawing applause from the gathering.

Dangote, who visited the country earlier this year, promised to set up a $400 million cement manufacturing plant by the end of last month, but nothing tangible has been done yet.

Mujuru also blasted Zanu-PF stalwart, George Rutanhire, for seeking to trash her liberation war credentials.

"In fact, we never saw him during the liberation struggle. He did not do much. He should stop lying because I can expose whatever happened each time he drank mudzepete (an illicit alcoholic drink made of wild fruits)," she said.

Rutanhire is famed for leading the exhumation and reburial of fallen liberation war fighters' remains.