The ruling Zanu-PF party has reportedly denied reports that Zimbabwe vice president Joice Mujuru tendered her resignation to President Robert Mugabe.
According to New Zimbabwe.com, Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo, who is said to be a “fierce” supporter of Mujuru in the ongoing Zanu-PF succession battles, said she (Mujuru) was “going nowhere”, unless she was convicted by the courts on charges of corruption being levelled against her.
Online and social media has been awash with reports saying Mujuru had quit, but that Mugabe had turned down the resignation. But Gumbo rubbished the reports as rumours being spread by people who wanted Mujuru out, a development he said was causing chaos in the southern African country.
Mugabe’s party is currently embroiled in a succession battle that has torn the party apart, with growing fears, according to the Daily News, that the party may soon implode altogether, taking the country down with it.
Zanu-PF is allegedly torn between two distinct factions, one led by Mujuru and another by Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa. The two are said to be locked in a bitter war to take over from Mugabe when he retires. Mujuru and Mnangagwa have, however, rejected claims they are harbouring presidential ambitions.
Infighting within the ruling party escalated following First Lady Grace Mugabe’s surprise nomination to lead Zanu-PF’s women’s league, amid speculation she could be aiming to take over from her husband when he steps down or dies. Grace made headlines in recent weeks, accusing Mujuru of fomenting divisions in the party and plotting to topple her husband. The state media has also joined the fray, accusing Mujuru of “illicit business dealings” and abuse of “office and political status”.
Meanwhile, reports say the revolutionary party is set to hold an explosive politburo meeting, which according to New Zimbabwe.com is almost certain to be dominated by debate on the current infighting.
