Zimbabwe's Mugabe anger over Joyce Mujuru 'death plot' Published duration 4 December 2014

image copyright AP image caption 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.

media caption Mugabe's opponents - in 90 seconds

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.

'Bribing delegates'

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.

At the scene: BBC Africa's Brian Hungwe

image copyright Reuters

The congress hall was packed with about 10,000 delegates. Some of them cheered when Mr Mugabe spoke; others remained quiet, suggesting they are worried about the divisions that have wracked the ruling party as the president consolidates his hold on power.

Leaders such as Joyce Mujuru and Didimus Mutasa have been Zanu-PF cadres for more than four decades, and command a huge following. They are now out in the cold, accused by Mr Mugabe of being key figures in a "cabal" opposed to his leadership.

Rugare Gumbo, expelled from Zanu-PF as part of the purge, told the BBC the party was not "moving forward" and could "collapse".

But War Veterans Association chairman Chris Mutsvangwa said it had addressed its "afflictions without too much ructions" and it would now focus on improving Zimbabwe's struggling economy. The 90-year-old leader is expected to appoint loyalists to key positions later in the week.

Mr Mugabe, while speaking in the local Shona language, said Mrs Mujuru planned to assassinate him but in English he only accused her of trying to have him "kicked out" by bribing delegates.

"But you delegates are not foolish. You can't be bought," Mr Mugabe added.

Vowing to tackle corruption, Mr Mugabe said: "If you were a minister, you will lose your job. Some will face the full might of the law."

image copyright AP image caption Many Zanu-PF members are still fiercely loyal to Mr Mugabe

image copyright AFP image caption Joyce Mujuru was once a staunch ally of Mr Mugabe

Mrs Mujuru was first accused in the state-owned media of plotting to kill Mr Mugabe and has instructed her lawyers to take legal action to clear her name.

Referring to her and her allies' failure to attend the congress, Mr Mugabe said: "As you see we have empty spaces on the stage. We didn't chase them away but they chose not to come."

Correspondents say Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa is now among the candidates being tipped to succeed Mrs Mujuru, her long-time rival.

Mrs Mujuru took part in the 1970s guerrilla war against white-minority rule when her nom de guerre was Teurai Ropa (Spill Blood).

She married Solomon Mujuru, the former army chief seen as Zimbabwe's king-maker in 1977. He died in a fire at his farm in 2011.