Political temperatures are rising in Zanu-PF after First Lady, Grace Mugabe, was endorsed by some members of the Women’s League to lead them in a move seen by some as an attempt to derail the ascendency of Vice President Joyce Mujuru to succeed President Robert Mugabe.
On Saturday, the Women’s League members endorsed the first lady to take over from Oppah Muchinguri, who they are reportedly planning to catapult to the party administrator’s post currently occupied by Didymus Mutasa.
Members of the Mujuru faction who spoke to Studio 7 described Mrs. Mugabe as immature and incomparable to Mr. Mugabe’s first wife, Sally, who also headed the women’s body.
Muchinguru could not be reached for comment but party spokesman Rugare Gumbo said people must not jump the gun but have to allow party processes to unfold.
Mrs. Mugabe has indicated that she will think about this move before making an announcement. Party insiders say a decision has already been made and come the December congress, she will enter the political fray.
Political analyst Charles Mangongera said Mrs. Mugabe’s decision might be driven by an attempt by the first family to protect its vast wealth.
Meanwhile, Mutasa South lawmaker, Irene Zindi, allegedly abducted Friday by three men in a brazen day-light attack, is claiming that there are people who want to eliminate her.
Zindi was allegedly taken from her farm in the afternoon by men who claimed to be police officers who later shot at her and drove off in her car, a Ford Everest vehicle registration number ACY 3316.
Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, who confirmed the incident to the Sunday Mail, says she is on holiday and referred all questions to police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi who did not answer his mobile.
Some political analysts, who spoke to Studio 7 on condition of anonymity, said the situation in Zanu PF has become toxic ahead of the party’s elective December congress. Zindi tells Studio 7’s Blessing Zulu she was shaken by the attack.