Mnangagwa brushes off Mugabe’s coup claims

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has brushed off former President Robert Mugabe’s claims that his takeover was a coup d’etat saying Mugabe resigned in terms of section 96 of the country’s constitution.

Mugabe yesterday called on Mnangagwa to sit down with him so that they could “undo this disgrace” and bring about constitutionality to the country.

In a statement, Mnangagwa said Mugabe “is entitled to express himself freely, as is the case for any private citizen”.

“The Zimbabwe Government continues to honour all its obligations towards the former President’s welfare and benefits, as provided for under the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” the statement said.

“The nation has moved on. Our focus at this time shall remain on preparing for free, fair and credible elections in 2018. This is a key step in the immense task at hand, which is to lift our people from the effects of years of severe economic regression and international isolation.”

Zimbabwe is expected to hold elections between 21 July and 21 August and Mnangagwa has promised that these will be free and fair elections that will be open to international observers.

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