Faced with runaway inflation and persistent rumours to topple him, Mnangagwa yesterday said there were enemies of progress in his government and warned that “their days were numbered”.

Two weeks ago, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe made unsolicited claims that members of the opposition, churches, civic organisations, top government and military officials were working with Western diplomats accredited to the country in a plot to oust Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa and his Finance minister Mthuli Ncube blame western sanctions, alleged economic saboteurs and climate change for the collapse of the economy.

But Mnangagwa yesterday added: “Despite the setbacks we may face, Zimbabwe needs people who choose peace over disharmony, tranquillity over violence, love and peace over hatred, morality, integrity and hard honest work over immorality, laziness and corruption.

“On the evident economic malpractices that are present in various forms, my government will never shy away from implementing policies and measures that ensure that the honest workers of our country live honourably,” Mnangagwa said.