HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) – President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe said Thursday that any top official or civil servant who plots against him will face dismissal and prosecution.
Mugabe spoke at a ruling ZANU-PF party congress at which he is expected to consolidate his grip on power by appointing a new set of loyalists, including his wife Grace.
“Those who committed the crime and corruption will be prosecuted once we get the evidence,” the 90-year-old leader said. “Even if you are a government minister, deputy minister or a civil servant, you will be fired.”
Vice President Joice Mujuru did not attend the meeting at which Mugabe spoke. Mugabe has sharply criticized Mujuru, which underscores that she is no longer a favorite to succeed him.
The state-run Sunday Mail newspaper has alleged that Mujuru was involved in an assassination plot against Mugabe, who has been in power since independence in 1980. Mujuru denies the allegations, saying she is prepared to defend herself in court.