Phelekezela Mphoko embraces new political order

HARARE – Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, who has been in Botswana since the start of operation restore legacy, is back in the country and says he accepts President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new leader of the country.

In an interview with the State media, Mphoko said he is back home following consultations with President Mnangagwa while he was in Botswana.

He said contrary to some misguided elements in some sections of the media, who had reported that he was thrown out of Botswana, he had advised President Ian Khama of his intentions to return home on the 1st of December.

He rubbished claims that he is corrupt and that he was involved in money laundering, saying since his appointment into government, he never had access to government resources.

He also declared that his investment in Choppies retail chain was facilitated by a $25 million loan from a South African bank well before his involvement in government, adding that he used his own resources to campaign for the six Zanu PF parliamentarians who went on to win by-elections in Bulawayo.

The former Vice President however had no kind words for Tshinga Dube, whom he accused of dumping ZAPU during the liberation struggle to join FLORIZI, saying that his tour of duty to Mozambique was sanctioned by ZAPU, first as a military leader who was part of the 15 member team that formed ZIPRA and later as a ZAPU representative to the same country.

He also called on people to remain united for peace and tranquility to prevail, adding that peace and reconciliation are key for the nation to prospe