Grace Mugabe's secret up in flames

VANCOUVER/HARARE - First Lady, Grace Mugabe's secret goal to succeed her husband, President Robert Mugabe, is all but up in flames as the country's hardline military generals, have reportedly "written her off" behind the scenes, The Telescope News reportedl.

The first lady appears to be preparing for a power grab, by plotting to be appointed defence minister in an anticipated cabinet reshuffle, so she can control the army and force Mugabe's generals to accept her, media reports suggested this week. However, sources close to Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander, General Constantine Chiwenga, said the general has already hinted that he wants Vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to replace Mugabe instead of Grace, and that a plan, to make it happen is already in place.

"People say I want to be president, why not? Am I not a Zimbabwean?" said Mugabe's wife in Mazowe last October, while launching her political career.
"There are plenty of people who can run this country, not Mujuru," she said, accusing the former vice president of risking to take Zimbabwe "back to where we were before independence".

"The first lady might be appointed minister of defence, but that will not mean she will be able to control the army," said a senior official based at KG6 in the capital. "The army and air force, are led by the ZDF commander, because he is more powerful than the minister. Furthermore, for some time now, we in the army know that the Vice President has made a deal with the top brass, therefore he is the one coming to power soon."

The generals, it also came to light, are tolerating Grace for the time being, as they keep their political cards close to their chests.

Chiwenga endorsed Mnangagwa as the next ruler, in 2012 while the latter was still defence minister, during the VP's 66th birthday party at his Sherwood Farm on the outskirts of Kwekwe, where Chiwenga was guest of honour.