There’s outrage in Zimbabwe following the appointment of President Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law as state-owned Air Zimbabwe’s second-in-command.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Movement (MDC) has demanded to know when and where interviews were held before Simba Chikore was appointed chief operating officer of the debt-saddled national airline.

It also demanded that the airline furnish the nation with Mr Chikore’s professional qualifications and work experience.

Air Zimbabwe and Mr Chikore have not yet commented on the furore.

He married Bona Mugabe, the 92-year-old leader’s daughter, two years ago.

As chief operating officer, Mr Chikore will report to Chief Cxecutive Ripton Muzenda, son of Zimbabwe’s late Vice-President Simon Muzenda.

The government earlier this year promised to help the airline overcome its financial crisis.

It has debts worth £300m (£235m).

Parliament’s transport committee revealed in June 2015 that it was making a monthly loss of $3m (£2.4m) and was technically insolvent.

The airline has been looking for a strategic partner to boost its revenue and reposition itself for growth.

 

BBC