Zimbabwean Vice-President John Nkomo died on Thursday after receiving treatment for cancer. Nkomo, 78, was nominated for the joint number two position alongside Joice Mujuru two years ago after a fractious meeting of the southern African nation's ruling ZANU-PF party. A founding member of nationalist leader Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU before its merger with Mugabe's ZANU-PF in the 1980s, John Nkomo was seen by many as an efficient administrator but a remote potential successor to Mugabe due to his age and ill health. Analysts say his death will rekindle debate over 88-year-old Mugabe's health issues and open up a succession battle as the country's shaky coalition government edges towards a general election due this year. Nkomo was among a number of individuals not allowed to travel to the United States because the US government alleges he has worked to undermine democracy and rule of law in Zimbabwe. He is survived by his wife, Georgina Ngwenya. Burial arrangements to be announced by the Family.
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