Phelekezela Mphoko, Zimbabwe’s former Vice President, diplomat, businessman, and military commander has died at the age of 84.
The sad development was confirmed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba. The President is yet to issue a statement regarding the issue, and the cause of death is not yet clear.
Mphoko’s death comes barely less than a week after his son, Siqokoqela Mphoko, made shocking accusations against him.
Siqokoqela claimed that his father was behind his rape case, alleging that Phelekezela had used a woman, Mantombi Ndlovu, to falsely accuse him.
This accusation came after Siqokoqela’s initial conviction for allegedly raping his 12-year-old niece was overturned by the Bulawayo High Court in October due to concerns over the complainant’s validity and potential coercion.
His father, the former Vice President, meanwhile was facing charges of criminal abuse of office, with his appeal dismissed by the Supreme Court in June and the trial ongoing at the time of his death.
Born on June 11, 1940, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Mphoko dedicated his life to public service and played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
Mphoko’s political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Vice President from 2014 to 2017 and Ambassador to South Africa, Russia, and Botswana.
He was also a key figure in Zimbabwe’s war of independence, serving as commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the military wing of PF-Zapu.
In 2014, Mphoko was appointed Second Vice President of Zimbabwe, succeeding John Nkomo, who passed away in January 2013.
However, his tenure was cut short following the military coup in November 2017, which led to his ousting from the position of Vice President and Zanu-PF. He was ousted together with late former President Robert Mugabe and his allies, most of whom are now living in exile.
In addition to his political career, Mphoko was a businessman and entrepreneur, with interests in cattle ranching and retail. He was one of the shareholders of Choppies Zimbabwe, but lost control of the business in 2018 due to shareholder disputes.
Mphoko is survived by his wife, Laurinda Mphoko and their children.
