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'Hero' Robert Mugabe granted immunity in Zimbabwe

By Elizabeth Shim
Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is to remain in his country and will not be prosecuted, according to multiple sources in Zimbabwe. Photo by Aaron Ufumeli/EPA-EFE
Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is to remain in his country and will not be prosecuted, according to multiple sources in Zimbabwe. Photo by Aaron Ufumeli/EPA-EFE

Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has been granted immunity and will not be prosecuted after 37 years in power, multiple sources said Thursday.

Simon Khaya Moyo, a spokesman for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, told Bloomberg Mugabe is no longer in power but is being regarded as the "hero" of the country's independence.

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"There aren't any plans for former President Robert Mugabe; he's free to stay in Zimbabwe and he won't face prosecution," the spokesman said, adding neither he nor his family are regarded as enemies of the state.

Col. Overson Mugwisi, a spokesman for the Zimbabwean Defense Forces, confirmed to CNN a deal was reached where Mugabe and his wife Grace will be granted immunity and a guarantee of safety.

The couple will be allowed to stay in the country.

Mugabe came to power in 1980 following Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, is to be sworn into office on Friday.

According to Bloomberg, the new administration will not include opposition party members.

"To my knowledge, there aren't any plans to include the opposition in the government while Zanu-PF has the people's mandate," Moyo said.

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Mnangagwa was allegedly involved in coordinating the massacres of the '80s, ordered by Mugabe, during which as many as 20,000 people were killed for opposing the ruler.

Mnangagwa, whose nickname is the "Crocodile," is known for his political cunning and resilience, according to CNN.

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