Mnangagwa to be sworn in tomorrow

FORMER Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who flew into the country yesterday following a two-week hiatus in self-imposed exile, is set to be sworn in tomorrow as Head of State and Government following the resignation of President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday.

Mnangagwa, who skipped the country citing security concerns and sought refuge in South Africa following his dismissal by Mugabe on November 6, came back in the company of his son, Emmerson (Junior), and was welcomed at Manyame Air Base by service chiefs and top Zanu PF and government officials, including ruling party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo and secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa.

Hundreds of his supporters first gathered at the air base, but later moved to Zanu PF headquarters where they waited until late into the evening as they anticipated Mnangagwa to address them.

The President-designate’s plane was initially scheduled to land at 1pm, but only touched down at 3:20pm amid reports that he had been delayed by South African President Jacob Zuma, whom he met before flying to Harare.

Zuma is expected to attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration tomorrow.

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said the Office of the President and Cabinet was now seized with preparations for the swearing-in ceremony after Zanu PF nominated Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA/VENERANDA LANGA