HARARE -- Zimbabweans Sunday mourned the death of vice-president Simon Muzenda, who was a longtime ally of President Robert Mugabe.

Muzenda's widely-expected death -- he had been ill for some time -- was the top story on news broadcasts and in Sunday's three local papers.

"Nation mourns Mudhara (old man) Mzee," the privately-owned ***Sunday Mirror*** said in its leading editorial, using the veteran politician's nickname.

Muzenda, aged 80, died on Saturday at central Harare's Parirenyatwa Hospital. He had been ill since 1998, initially with diabetes and hypertension, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) reported.

In a live broadcast on state radio and television late Saturday, Mugabe said Muzenda would be remembered as a "true great son of the soil".

The former teacher and carpenter became deputy vice-president after Zimbabwe gained statehood in 1980, and played an important role during the southern African country's struggle for independence from white British rule in the 1970s.

Muzenda was "a man of the people, a true and unwavering leader," the Mirror added.

Muzenda is likely to be given a state funeral some time next week, AFP reported.

Zimbabwe's remaining vice president is 80-year-old Joseph Msika.

Muzenda's death will open up a huge debate here on succession.

Although he was never touted here as a realistic successor to 79-year-old Mugabe, the man who replaces him may well be in line to succeed the president, according to independent speculation.

Likely candidates cited by the private media have included the speaker of Parliament, Emmerson Mnangagwa.