Mphoko's estate opened for claims

The estate of the late former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has officially been placed in the public domain following the publication of a notice by his widow, Laurinda Mphoko, inviting individuals and organisations with claims against the estate to come forward.

The notice, published this week, marks the first formal step in the administration of the late statesman's estate and initiates a process that will determine the full scope of his assets, debts, and liabilities.

"In the estate of the late Report Phelekezela Mphoko who died at New Delhi, India, on December 6, 2024, all persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to lodge them in detail with the undersigned not later than November 30, 2025," the notice reads in part.

Those indebted to the estate have also been instructed to settle their debts within the same period, with the warning that legal action may be taken for non-compliance. Additionally, the notice calls on anyone holding property belonging to or associated with the estate to surrender it to the widow immediately.

Mphoko, who died at the age of 84 in New Delhi after a prolonged illness, served as Vice President from 2014 to 2017 under the late President Robert Mugabe. His tenure ended abruptly following the November 2017 military intervention that ousted Mugabe and brought President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power.

Before his appointment as Vice President, Mphoko held an extensive career in diplomacy spanning more than three decades. From 1987, he represented Zimbabwe as ambassador to Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa, earning respect across the continent for his diplomatic skill.

Beyond politics, Mphoko was also a businessman and cattle rancher, and a former shareholder in Choppies Zimbabwe, a supermarket chain.

Born on June 11, 1940, Mphoko was one of the few surviving former commanders of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) — the armed wing of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) during the liberation struggle. It was during this period that he earned his nom de guerre "Report."

Under Mugabe's administration, he was later appointed Minister of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation, and in 2015, was given additional responsibility for policy coordination and implementation in government.

The administration of Mphoko's estate — expected to include agricultural, business, and diplomatic interests — will proceed following the close of the claim period on November 30, 2025.