BREAKING: Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko Has Died Aged 84

Former VP Phelekezela Mphoko Dead at 84

Former Zimbabwean Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has died at the age of 84. The news of Mphoko’s death was confirmed by George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, ZimLive reports.

Details regarding the circumstances of his death have not yet been disclosed. iHarare will update the article as more information becomes available.

Mphoko served as Vice President from 2014 to 2017 and was a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics. His career spanned decades, during which he played a role in shaping the country’s governance. Mphoko also served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia and South Africa.

Mphoko was appointed Vice President during the tenure of the late President Robert Mugabe. He held this position alongside Emmerson Mnangagwa in a dual vice-presidency arrangement, representing the ZAPU faction in the unity government.

Despite his political stature, Mphoko’s tenure was marred by a series of controversies that often overshadowed his contributions.

Also Read:WATCH: The Horrible Moment When Speeding Mshikashika Crashed Into Service Station

Lavish Spending and Hotel Stay Scandal

Mphoko became infamous for his lavish lifestyle, particularly his prolonged stay at the luxurious Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, which lasted over two years. The government reportedly spent $1,023 per day to cover his accommodation, meals, and other expenses. By 2016, the total cost exceeded $600,000, sparking public outrage amidst Zimbabwe’s struggling economy and high unemployment rates.

Mphoko defended his extended hotel stay by claiming he had no house in Harare, although he owned properties in Bulawayo and was a shareholder in the Choppies supermarket chain. Efforts to relocate him to a government-purchased mansion in Harare were delayed due to his wife’s dissatisfaction with the furniture.

Including His Grandson in a Government Delegation to Russia

Mphoko faced criticism for alleged nepotism during his tenure. In 2017, while leading a delegation to the 21st St. Petersburg Economic Forum in Russia, he included his grandson, a Grade Three student, in the 55-member entourage at the taxpayer’s expense.

Reports indicated that the delegation was invited by a trade fair company rather than the Russian government, raising questions about the trip’s necessity and its associated costs.

Criminal Abuse of Office Allegations

Mphoko encountered legal troubles after leaving office, including charges of criminal abuse of office. In 2016, while serving as Acting President, Mphoko ordered the release of two senior Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) executives, Moses Juma and Davison Norupiri, who had been arrested on allegations of fraud and abuse of office. Mphoko allegedly stormed Avondale Police Station and pressured officers to release the detainees, later driving off with them in his car.

The case resurfaced in 2019 when Mphoko appeared in court after reportedly resisting arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. Despite denying the charges as “malicious and frivolous,” his appeal to dismiss the case was rejected by both the High Court and Supreme Court, allowing the trial to proceed. The Supreme Court dismissal occurred in June this year, but Mphoko passed away before the state could continue with the trial.

A “Lonely” Plea to Mugabe

In November 2017, after Emmerson Mnangagwa was dismissed and fled the country, Mphoko publicly urged President Mugabe to appoint a replacement Vice President. During a ZANU-PF politburo meeting, he remarked, “I am now lonely, Your Excellency. Kindly appoint a counterpart for me.” He even suggested that Mugabe appoint his wife, Grace Mugabe, as Vice President—a move widely viewed as sycophantic.

Decline and Legacy

Mphoko’s tenure as Vice President ended in November 2017 following the military intervention that forced Mugabe to resign. Since leaving office, he had maintained a low profile until his passing.

While his career spanned decades and included significant roles in shaping Zimbabwe’s governance, Mphoko’s legacy is largely defined by the controversies and scandals that overshadowed his time in office.

More Details to Follow

The post BREAKING: Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko Has Died Aged 84 appeared first on iHarare News.