HARARE: Zimbabwean Presi-dent Robert Mugabe yesterday named Emmerson Mnangagwa as his vice-president, putting the former justice minister in pole position to succeed him.
Mugabe announced the appointment at party headquarters to loud applause, days after sacking one-time presidential hopeful turned rival Joice Mujuru as vice-president.
Nicknamed “Ngwena” (The Crocodile) because of his ruthlessness, Mnangagwa has held various senior posts in the country’s defence and internal security apparatus. He is reputed to be one of the richest men in the country and is also renowned for his stern demeanour and tough talk.
The 68-year-old played a critical role in Mugabe’s crackdown against opposition supporters that claimed thousands of lives in the 1980s, and which became internationally known as “Gukurahundi”. Mnangagwa also helped Mugabe hold on to power during 2008 elections.
The 90-year-old Mugabe also named former diplomat Phelekezela Mphoko to the largely symbolic post of second vice president. Mpoko is seen as one of the remaining leaders loyal to Mugabe.
AFP
