The estate of the late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko has been placed in the public domain after his widow, Laurinda, published a notice calling on individuals and entities with claims against it to come forward.
The public notice marked the first formal step in administering the estate of the late former statesman, opening a process that will determine the scale of his assets and liabilities.
Mphoko died on December 6, 2024, in New Delhi, India, at the age of 84 after a battle with an undisclosed illness.
“In the estate of the late Report Phelekezela Mphoko who died at New Delhi, India on December 6, 2024, all persons having claims against the above named estate are required to lodge them in detail with the undersigned not later than November 30, 2025,” the notice read in part.
Those indebted to the estate were advised to settle their debts within the same period and were warned that failure to do so would result in legal proceedings for recovery.
Additionally, it called on “all persons having in their custody or possession any property belonging or relating to this estate” to deliver it to the widow forthwith.
Mphoko served as VP from 2014 until 2017, when his tenure was cut short by the military coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who succeeded Mugabe was Mphoko’s co-VP before the coup.
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Mphoko’s career was also distinguished by extensive diplomatic service.
Beginning in 1987, Mphoko served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to several countries, including Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.
Beyond politics and diplomacy, he was a former shareholder in Choppies Zimbabwe and a prominent cattle rancher.
Born on June 11, 1940, Mphoko was one of the few surviving former commanders of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra), which executed the armed struggle for independence.
It was during this time that he earned his liberation war name, “Report.”
Under Mugabe’s administration, he was also assigned to lead the ministerial portfolio of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation.
On July 6, 2015, Mugabe assigned Mphoko the responsibility for the coordination and implementation of policy in his government.
