Zimbabwe's Mugabe reacts to deputy Joyce Mujuru's assassination plot

 
Robert Mugabe told delegates he welcomed the fact that his wife had exposed his deputy's plot

Zimbabwe's president has spoken of his anger that his embattled deputy Joyce Mujuru allegedly plotted to assassinate him and accused her of being a thief.

Speaking at the ruling Zanu-PF party's congress, Robert Mugabe said he would act against all corrupt officials.

 Mrs Mujuru's absence from the congress showed she was "scared", he added.
Recently expelled Zanu-PF member Rugare Gumbo told the BBC the 90-year-old leader had "completely" turned the party into his "personal property". 

Mr Mugabe had targeted Mrs Mujuru to advance the "fortunes" of his wife Grace, the former Zanu-PF spokesman added. 

Mrs Mujuru, who has previously denied the allegations, had been seen as a potential successor to Mr Mugabe, with whom she fought for Zimbabwe's independence from white-minority rule.

 
Many Zanu-PF members are still fiercely loyal to Mr Mugabe 
 

 
Thousands of delegates attended the congress

 

However, her career ran into trouble when Mrs Mugabe entered into politics this year, and accused her of plotting against her husband.

The congress, being held in the capital Harare, is expected to elect the first lady as the head of Zanu-PF's women's wing. 




Mr Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, will remain as Zanu-PF leader. He told thousands of delegates that he welcomed the fact that his wife had exposed Mrs Mujuru's attempt to oust him. 
 
"Thieves never succeed... look at all the transgressions. Her corruption is now exposed," Mr Mugabe said.