Phelekezela Mphoko, Zimbabwe’s former Vice President, diplomat, businessman, and army commander has died on the age of 84.

The unhappy improvement was confirmed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba. The President is but to difficulty a press release concerning the problem, and the reason for dying will not be but clear.

Mphoko’s dying comes barely lower than every week after his son, Siqokoqela Mphoko, made stunning accusations in opposition to him.

Siqokoqela claimed that his father was behind his rape case, alleging that Phelekezela had used a girl, Mantombi Ndlovu, to falsely accuse him.

This accusation got here after Siqokoqela’s preliminary conviction for allegedly raping his 12-year-old niece was overturned by the Bulawayo High Court in October on account of issues over the complainant’s validity and potential coercion.

His father, the previous Vice President, in the meantime was going through prices of felony abuse of workplace, together with his attraction dismissed by the Supreme Court in June and the trial ongoing on the time of his dying.

Born on June 11, 1940, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Mphoko devoted his life to public service and performed a pivotal position in Zimbabwe’s battle for independence.

Mphoko’s political profession spanned a number of a long time, with notable positions together with Vice President from 2014 to 2017 and Ambassador to South Africa, Russia, and Botswana.

He was additionally a key determine in Zimbabwe’s battle of independence, serving as commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the army wing of PF-Zapu.

In 2014, Mphoko was appointed Second Vice President of Zimbabwe, succeeding John Nkomo, who handed away in January 2013.

However, his tenure was minimize quick following the army coup in November 2017, which led to his ousting from the place of Vice President and Zanu-PF. He was ousted along with late former President Robert Mugabe and his allies, most of whom are actually residing in exile.

In addition to his political profession, Mphoko was a businessman and entrepreneur, with pursuits in cattle ranching and retail. He was one of many shareholders of Choppies Zimbabwe, however misplaced management of the enterprise in 2018 on account of shareholder disputes.

Mphoko is survived by his spouse, Laurinda Mphoko and their kids.