Former President Robert Mugabe
Former President Robert Mugabe

Mugabe’s family to be left in peace

Zimbabwe's long-time leader Robert Mugabe will be "left in peace" with a "lucrative" retirement package, his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

However, Mr Mnangagwa also told the BBC that no one had been granted immunity from prosecution.

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Many Zimbabweans were hoping Mr Mugabe and his family, who became known for their extravagant lifestyles, would be held to account for their actions.

Mr Mugabe was ousted in November following 37 years in power.

In that time, Zimbabwe fell from being known as the breadbasket of Africa to a country which struggled to feed its population. Meanwhile, Mr Mugabe's wife became known as "Gucci Grace" for her love of luxury goods.

However, while he told the BBC he had "not given anyone any immunity", he added: "The new administration will do everything possible to make sure the family lives in peace, undisturbed."

The president said his predecessor had been given "a very lucrative package", which included many of the luxuries Mr Mugabe had become used to - including cars, secretaries, first-class travel and trips to Singapore, where he sees doctors.

Mr Mnangagwa would not be drawn on the cost of the package, which had a rumoured value of $10m (£7m).

However, commenting on the next elections of the country, he was adamant he and the ruling Zanu-PF party would accept the result whatever the outcome.

"If we lose elections, that's it," he said. "Whichever party wins the election will proceed to take the reins of power."

The interview took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Mr Mnangagwa has travelled to spread the message that "Zimbabwe is open for business".

The new president - the first Zimbabwean leader to attend the event - said he would be willing to work with US President Donald Trump, who was roundly criticised for labelling African countries "shitholes" earlier this month.

Mr Trump has denied using those words.

"There should not be an enemy I cannot talk to," he said. "It is a question of international relations. If he came here, I would be able to talk to him.

"I know Americans like to play golf, and I would say come and build golf courses at Victoria Falls."

Mr Trump is known to be a passionate golfer, who owns a number of golf coursse across the world.

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