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12 April 2008
By Never Kadungure (Political Editor)
Zimbabwe's ruling party is battling to protect its leader President Robert Mugabe from scrutiny after recent performances in public have shown the 84-year old mentally unstable and unable to handle pressure.
Sources told Nehanda Radio the shock defeats in both parliamentary and presidential elections to the opposition MDC have made Mugabe even more deranged and he seems not to be in charge of his mental faculties.
'Effective Sunday 30 March the Joint Operations Command (JOC) have been running the country up until such time Mugabe recovers or demonstrates he is ready to continue as President,' the source said.
Army General Constantine Chiwenga, Air Marshall Perence Shiri, Prisons Chief Paradzai Zimondi, Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri, CIO boss Happyton Bonyongwe and Major General Philip Sibanda from the army presented Mugabe with the shock news of his defeat at state house on the Sunday after the poll.
Mugabe threw a fit and demanded Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairman Justice George Chiweshe manipulate the figures in his favour. The former soldier turned judge however refused, throwing Zanu PF's entire game plan into the political water.
Nehanda Radio understands Mugabe on the advice of First Lady Grace Mugabe contemplated resigning as President but was over-ruled by the army Generals who are said to be using the ageing dictator as a human shield. 'Mugabe is a virtual hostage to the situation now,' we were told.
As if to confirm the uncertainty over Mugabe's mental health, Zanu PF bigwigs talked him out of attending the SADC emergency summit at the weekend, fearing he would embarass himself amongst his peers. Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi will instead attend to defend the government against accusations they are delibarately withholding the results after losing the election. never@nehandaradio.com .
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