President Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zanu-PF has hit back at Zimbabwe army commander, General Constantino Chiwenga, accusing him of treason after he threatened an “army step in” to rein in “counter revolutionaries” he accused of purging ex-combatants from the party.
Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo has issued a statement saying the ruling party will not succumb to threats and pressure from the army in Zimbabwe.
This follows the ouster of former Vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa who is currently on the run or hiding in South Africa.
Simon Khaya Moyo made the statement amid heightened tensions in the southern African country and unconfirmed reports of an alleged push by the military to force Mugabe to step down after 37 years in power.
Reports claim that the capital Harare was on a lock-down today as the army personnel were visible in the streets with heavy military gear for unknown reasons - as the battle to succeed the 93-year-old leader intensifies.
In power since independence from Britain in 1980, Mugabe has refused to name a successor and even to step down despite disputed election outcomes. His continued grip on power has triggered massive jostling for strategic positions within his party - with his wife leading an alleged faction fighting to succeed him.
