Emmerson Mnangagwa, the present Zimbabwean leader who had become the second president after outwitting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with a military-supported coup in 2017 is now 80 yrs of age and is showing no signs of wanting to retire.
Mnangagwa aka “The Crocodile” (so nicknamed because of his viciousness), is looking to secure a leadership slot once more in an election very few expect to be free and fair.
Having presided over a failing economy scarred by hyperinflation, unemployment, and corruption allegations, critics reckon that he has moved to silence disagreements and clamp down on the opposition.
Mnangagwa had been appointed president after a fight to obtain the top job ahead of Mugabe’s wife, Grace that he originally, looked to have lost the battle.
In 2017, Robert Mugabe who was was 93-years-old at the time dismissed Mnangagwa as vice president, clearing the way for the first lady.
Afterwards, for fear of being killed, the veteran hardliner fled the country, crossing the border to Mozambique.
He had run away, carrying no belongings except for a briefcase containing money (dollars).