COUP FEAR: Mugabe creates cyber ministry ahead of elections in hasty cabinet reshuffle

Amid fears of a possible coup as tension rises in Zimbabwe over the possible next leader to succeed President Robert Mugabe, the long serving despot has moved Patrick Chinamasa from the finance ministry on Monday to lead a new cyber security ministry.

Reports say the new cyber security ministry will focus on crimes on social media and other websites ahead of an election due next year which Mugabe is still interested in being part of.

Chinamasa will be replaced at the treasury by Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo in a cabinet reshuffle that also diminished the role of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, seen as a potential successor to Mugabe.

Read also: Fear of coup forces Robert Mugabe’s hand, plans cabinet changes

Wife of the president, Grace Mugabe had earlier raised an alarm over a possible coup with allies of Mnangagwa threatening the lives of those who don’t support him to replace her husband.

Last week, Grace Mugabe departed from a prepared speech at an event in Harare to attack Mr Mnangagwa.

Mrs Mugabe herself and Mr Mnangagwa are the front-runners and their rivalry has split the governing Zanu-PF amid growing tensions in the fight to succeed her husband.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions