Mugabe's death prayers slammed

VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday said those praying for President Mugabe's death were wasting their time as the President is a God-given leader who will step down or die only at God's will. His remarks come at a time when some Western countries are fomenting disturbances in the country as part of their regime change agenda. VP Mphoko said he was shocked that there are people calling themselves Christians who have the audacity to pray for other people to die.

"I hear that there are people who are fasting for 40 days, praying to God for the President to die. What these people don't know is that President Mugabe was chosen by God before he was appointed by the people," said VP Mphoko as he addressed residents of Njube suburb before handing over 2,500 day-old chicks as part of the poultry project he launched in June to help uplift the lives of ordinary citizens.

"I'm wondering what kind of churches and what kind of people would kneel down and pray for someone's death. The President was created by God in your absence but you have the nerve to ask God to destroy that person yet God has a purpose for him. What has gotten into us?"

He said if such individuals knew their roles as Christians, they would be praying for peace, their leaders and even their enemies. "That's what the Bible says – pray for peace, your leaders and even your enemies. When God brings us on earth, we all have prophecies attached to our lives.

"President Mugabe was born on the 21st and if you read Psalms 21 it says I'll give you a crown of leadership and long life. That's President Mugabe's prophecy from God. Those who're against the prophecy are wasting their time by fasting and praying for his death," said VP Mphoko.

The VP said people must shun tribalism.

"I've told people before that the Constitution says this country was fought for by Zapu and Zanu. This therefore means that the President is not a MuZezuru but a leader of this country, VP Emmerson Mnangagwa is not a MuKaranga but a leader of this country and I'm not a Ndebele but a leader of this country. Let's work in unity to bring development to this country," said VP Mphoko.

He warned Zanu-PF members against fighting for leadership positions. He said party members should not lose focus by concentrating on the wrong things, but they must be content with their roles and work for the people that they serve.

"People get carried away and start thinking that they are better than others or they are above their leaders. Such thinking creates problems for us," said VP Mphoko.