Mugabe given immunity as part of his resignation deal

Zimbabwe’s incoming president Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks to supporters, flanked by his wife Auxilia, at Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party headquarters in Harare. Photo: Getty Images

MacDonald Dzirutwe

Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe was granted immunity from prosecution and was assured that his safety would be protected in his home country as part of a deal that led to his resignation, sources close to the negotiations said yesterday.

Mr Mugabe, who had led Zimbabwe from independence in 1980, stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice president sacked by Mr Mugabe earlier this month, is set to be sworn in as president today.