Zimbabwe’s president has spoken of his anger that his embattled deputy Joyce Mujuru allegedly plotted to assassinate him and accused her of being a thief.
Speaking at the ruling Zanu-PF party’s congress, Robert Mugabe said he would act against all corrupt officials.
Mrs Mujuru’s absence from the congress showed she was “scared”, he added.
Recently expelled Zanu-PF member Robert Gumbo told the BBC the 90-year-old leader had “completely” turned the party into his “personal property”.
Mr Mugabe had targeted Mrs Mujuru to advance the “fortunes” of his wife Grace, the former Zanu-PF spokesman added.
Mrs Mujuru, who has previously denied the allegations, had been seen as a potential successor to Mr Mugabe, with whom she fought for Zimbabwe’s independence from white-minority rule.
However, her career ran into trouble when Mrs Mugabe entered into politics this year, and accused her of plotting against her husband.
The congress, being held in the capital Harare, is expected to elect the first lady as the head of Zanu-PF’s women’s wing.
Source-BBC
