Zimbabwe’s Mugabe: Fired deputy plotted via witchcraft

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s president said Wednesday he fired his deputy and longtime ally for scheming to take power, including by consulting witch doctors, while Emmerson Mnangagwa said he has left the country after “incessant threats” to him and his family.

The demonization of the deposed vice president is the clearest sign yet that President Robert Mugabe, who at 93 is the world’s oldest head of state, is preparing his wife, Grace, to succeed him.

In a statement obtained by The Associated Press, Mnangagwa said he was safe but did not mention his location. “I will be communicating with you soon and shall return to Zimbabwe to lead you,” the statement said.

Mugabe spoke publicly for the first time since dismissing Mnangagwa, who had been seen as Mugabe’s potential successor. Now Mugabe’s wife appears poised for the role.

Mugabe told thousands of cheering supporters that Mnangagwa had plotted to take over since becoming a vice president in 2014.

Mnangagwa replaced Joice Mujuru, who had been ousted and accused by Mugabe of using witchcraft to take power.

“We have kicked him out for the same reasons that saw us chasing away Mujuru,” Mugabe said of Mnangagwa. The president, who has proved to be one of Africa’s most wily politicians, added: “People were told that I will retire in March but I did not. Upon realizing that I wasn’t, he started consulting traditional healers on when I was going to die.”

In the statement, Mnangagwa said that “my mouth has never uttered a single foul word against the president nor have I ever contemplated bringing him harm in any way.” He adds: “This party is not personal property for you and your wife to do as you please” and calls Mugabe “one stubborn individual who believes he is entitled to rule this country until death.”

First lady Grace Mugabe has been endorsed by ruling party groups to take over from Mnangagwa as vice president at a party congress next month, placing her in prime position to succeed her husband.