Zimbabwe’s former vice-president, whose sacking sparked events leading to the shock resignation of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, has returned to take charge of the country, state TV says.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled to South Africa two weeks ago, will be made the new president on Friday, it said.

His dismissal led the ruling party and the military to intervene and force an end to Mr Mugabe’s 37-year long rule.

The news sparked wild celebrations across the country late into the night.

The announcement that the 93-year-old president was stepping down came in the form of a letter read out in parliament on Wednesday, abruptly halting impeachment proceedings against him.

In it, Mr Mugabe said he was resigning to allow a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, and that his decision was voluntary.

A spokesman for the ruling Zanu-PF party said Mr Mnangagwa, 71, would serve the remainder of Mr Mugabe’s term until elections that are due to be held by September 2018.