The long-standing Zimbabwean president was in fighting mood when an interviewer asked if the 92-year-old planned to retire.
At the age of 92, it’s perhaps not unreasonable to wonder when Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe plans to call it a day.
But don’t ask the man himself, or he may threaten to punch you, like he did this TV interviewer.
In an extraordinary on-air outburst broadcast on state television, the controversial leader took exception to the presenter’s questions about his future.
When asked about grooming a potential successor, Mugagbe responded: “Why is is I’m still here? Why do you want a successor?
“Do you want me to floor you with a punch for you to feel I’m still there?”
The crew behind the camera can be heard laughing, and Mugabe himself cackles to suggest it was all a joke.
Nevertheless, Mugabe was in a frosty mood throughout the interview, insisting he has no plans to retire.
He also ruled out appointing a successor, amid reports he was lining up his wife Grace to replace him when he does finally quit.
“In a democratic party you don’t want leaders appointed that way,” he said.
“They have to be appointed properly by the people. Succession is not part of our culture.”
Mugabwe has led Zimbabwe since its formation in 1980 from the remains of white-ruled Rhodesia.
