Douglas Nyikayaramba
Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, the former chief of staff administration in the Zimbabwe national army has died from Covid-19, multiple sources have said.
Nyikayaramba was former Chief of Staff in the Zimbabwe National Army before his posting to Mozambique post the November 2017 military coup.
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa said he is gutted by the death of Nyikayaramba whom he said deserves a place at the National Heroes Acre.
“Gutted to receive news that Ambassador, Rtd. Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba is no more after succumbing to Covid-19. A General par excellence, he is certainly most deserving of National Hero status. MHDSRIEP,” said Mliswa.
09 February 2021 - 14:08 By Lenin Ndebele Nyikaramba is the fourth military general who led the putsch against Robert Mugabe to succumb to the virus. Stock photo. Image: 123RF/Ahmed Zaggoudi
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, retired Maj-Gen Douglas Nyikayaramba, has died of Covid-19 complications. Nyikayaramba, 64, was on leave when he died in Harare, becoming the fourth military general to lead the 2017 putsch against the late Robert Mugabe to succumb to the virus.
Presidency spokesperson George Charamba announced on Twitter: “I’m gutted to learn of the demise of Major General (Rtd) Nyikayaramba, our ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique. We have lost him to Covid-19. Yet another diplomat, commander, war veteran and patriot falls!”
Mnangagwa and Chiwenga
AFTER his initial daring purges of military commanders who propelled him to power through a military coup in November 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is now capitalising on political contingency and opportunities triggered by the death of four ministers due to Covid-19 to consolidate power and ensure he survives the Zanu PF elective congress next year, insiders say.
OWEN GAGARE
The sources said Mnangagwa is moving to tighten his dead man’s grip on power by phasing out the military in cabinet, while bringing in close political allies.
Mnangagwa is also seeking to seal his position as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, although he had initially agreed to a deal with his co-deputy Constantino Chiwenga to serve one term after being thrust into power by the army.
Mnangagwa mourns Rtd Major General Nyikayaramba thezimbabwemail.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thezimbabwemail.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.