Mugabe succession battle intensifies ahead of key congress

Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo has been suspended as supporters of President Robert Mugabe's wife Grace push for the ouster of top officials linked to Vice President Joice Mujuru.

Infighting within the ruling party is reaching a peak ahead of a congress next month which will almost certainly see Grace Mugabe confirmed as the head of Zanu-PF's influential women's league.

The 49-year-old's speedy political rise has been backed by Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, who heads one of two warring factions in Zanu-PF and is understood to be positioning himself to succeed Mr Mugabe, 90.

NEWS 24