Zimbabwe's Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been removed from his post, the country's government has announced.
Robert Mugabe has been in power in Zimbabwe since 1980, first as prime minister, then president. Photo: AFP
Mr Mnangagwa, 75, had displayed "traits of disloyalty", Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo said.
His removal makes it more likely that President Robert Mugabe's wife Grace will follow in her husband's footsteps as leader of Zimbabwe.
She had earlier called on her husband to remove his vice-president.
Emmerson Mnangagwa had been a leading candidate to succeed President Mugabe . Photo: AFP
"Mr Mnangagwa's conduct in discharge of his duties is inconsistent with the responsibilities," the information minister said.
"The vice-president has exhibited traits of disloyalty."
Mr Mnangagwa, a former intelligence chief, had been a leading candidate to succeed President Mugabe, 93.
His sacking means Grace Mugabe is expected to be appointed vice-president at a special congress of the ruling Zanu-PF party next month.
Grace Mugabe addressing a gathering of indigenous church groups organised by the ruling Zanu-PF party. Photo: AFP
Addressing members of indigenous church groups at a rally in the capital, Harare, on Sunday, Mrs Mugabe said: "The snake must be hit on the head.
"We must deal with the real snake behind the factions and discord in the party. We are going for the congress as a united party."
Last month, she warned of plans to stage a coup, hinting that supporters of Mr Mnangagwa were behind the alleged plot.
Mrs Mugabe, the head of the Zanu-PF women's league, and Mr Mnangagwa have been seen as the front-runners in the battle to succeed Mr Mugabe when he dies or steps down.
Mr Mugabe has been in power in Zimbabwe since 1980. He was elected president in 1987, having previously served as the country's prime minister. He is planning to contest next year's elections.
- BBC