President Mugabe, 92, threatens to punch reporter to the floor

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe lost his cool and threatened to punch a journalist “to the floor” after he was asked about his retirement plans, writes International Business Times.

Reacting to the line of questioning, the 92 year-old squared up to the interviewer when asked about a potential successor.

“Why ‘successor’ when I am still there?” he said speaking on state TV, before he added, “Why do you want a successor? Do you want me to punch you to the floor to realise I am still there?” clenching his fist in an aggressive manner.

During the interview, the Zimbabwean leader said he has no plans to hand over power and ruled out coaching his politically ambitious wife, Grace, as his chosen successor

“Grooming a successor, is it an inheritance?” he said. “In a democratic party you don’t want leaders appointed that way. They have to be appointed properly by the people. Succession is not part of our culture.”

Mugabe has been Zimbabwe’s Head of State since the country attained independence and was renamed in 1980 from white-ruled Rhodesia.

He has led the Zimbabwean African National Union (ZANU) – Patriotic Front since 1975.

Political pundits have suggested that his power may pass to his wife Grace who has been singled out as being politically ambitious and a contender for office.

Mugabe celebrated his 92nd birthday on February 21, leading to speculation that he may be about to step down as president.

The nonagenarian has previously stated that he will not step down from his post until he is at least 100-years-old.

He has courted controversy throughout his rule, especially with his control of the ballot box.