Mugabe’s long-time ally dies in hospital

Harare – One of Zimbabwe’s vice-presidents, Simon Muzenda, a longtime ally of President Robert Mugabe, has died after a long illness.

Mr Muzenda, aged 80, died on Saturday at Harare’s Parirenyatwa Hospital. He had been ill since 1998 with diabetes and hypertension.

A former teacher, he played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s 1970s war for independence.

In a live broadcast on State radio and television on Saturday, Mr Mugabe said Mr Muzenda would be remembered as a “true great son of the soil”. “The nation has suffered a great loss indeed,” he said.

Mr Muzenda is likely to be given a State funeral this week. The remaining vice-president is Joseph Msika, 80.

Mr Muzenda’s death will open up a huge debate on succession. Although he was never touted as a realistic successor to Mr Mugabe, 79, the man who replaces him may well be in line to succeed the president, according to independent speculation. Likely candidates include parliamentary speaker Emmerson Mnangagwa. – Sapa-AFP

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