According to reports from Reuters Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe  has appointed a new deputy on Wednesday in the person of  justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, thus  making Mnangagwa a likely successor to Mugabe; Africa’s longest ruling head of state.

Mnangagwa takes over as deputy president in the ruling ZANU-PF party and for the country, in a move that comes a day after 90-year-old Mugabe fired former deputy Joice Mujuru.

Mujuru was tipped to be a likely successor but due to a falling out with Mugabe where it was alleged that she was planning to unseat him forcefully, she was relieved of her position.

Mnangagwa, 68, is one of Mugabe's most trusted lieutenants, having served at his side for five decades, through prison, guerrilla war and then post-liberation government.

He has been in every administration since the southern African nation's independence from Britain in 1980, holding several posts, including minister of state security, defence and finance, as well as speaker of parliament.

Mugabe named former diplomat Phelekezela Mphoko as the second vice president and said both would be sworn in on Friday.

Mujuru denies allegations of planned sabotage.