Mnangagwa rapidly consolidates power

In the aftermath of a fierce internal Zanu-PF succession power struggle played out in the public domain, which left a number of high profile political casualties including former vice-president Joice Mujuru in its trail, Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is holding five key positions is rapidly consolidating power to secure his ascendancy to the throne as President Robert Mugabe’s successor.

The plot to remove Mujuru would have succeeded beyond Mnangagwa’s wildest dreams, for he was down and practically out last year’s Zanu-PF provincial elections which left the ex-vice president in charge of nine out of 10 provinces, ensuring she was Mugabe’s shoo-in successor.

Although it is not officially announced, it is understood Mnangagwa has also taken over as State Security Minister replacing the angry and bitter fired presidential affairs minister, Didymus Mutasa.