Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwean president, said he narrowly survived an attempt on his life on Saturday after a explosion at a party rally that injured two of his vice-presidents and several party officials.

He described to state media how an object "exploded a few inches away from me - but it is not my time".

Video footage showed plumes of smoke surrounding the president as he was hustled away from the scene, down stairs from the podium at White City stadium in Bulawayo, the country's second city and an opposition stronghold.

Fifteen people were hurt, three of them seriously, according to David Parirenyatwa, the health minister.

Mr Mnangagwa later said he had visited some of the injured in hospital and pleaded for unity ahead of elections next month.</s>This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the president of Zimbabwe, has called for peace, love and unity hours after escaping an apparent assassination attempt during an election campaign rally in the southern city of Bulawayo.

At least eight people were injured in the explosion, the state-run Herald newspaper reported.

'We have a new chance': Zimbabwe gears up for elections after Mugabe Read more

Footage posted online showed Mnangagwa, 75, waving to the crowd in the White City stadium at about 2pm on Saturday afternoon, turning to step off the podium and walking into the open-sided VIP tent, where seconds later the explosion occurred. People ducked and screamed and smoke billowed. State television immediately cut its broadcast.

Images taken by photographers at the rally showed several injured people lying on the ground.

Local media said the vice-president, Kembo Mohadi, had leg injuries, while Constantino Chiwenga, a second vice-president and the former military commander-in-chief, had bruises on his face, the report said.

In a statement issued later in the afternoon, Mnangagwa said his thoughts and prayers were with “all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”

The forthcoming election in Zimbabwe is the latest turning point in what has proved the most tumultuous few months in almost four decades of Zimbabwe’s political history.

In November, Robert Mugabe was forced out of power after 37 years, following a peaceful military takeover supported by the vast majority of the 17 million population.

The poll on 30 July pits Zanu-PF, the ruling party, against the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the longstanding opposition.

Zanu-PF is led by Mnangagwa, a former vice-president known as the Crocodile who took power when Mugabe was ousted. Polls indicate a potentially close race, but one that Zanu-PF should win. Though hard fought, the campaign so far has seen little of the violence associated with previous elections in Zimbabwe.

Past votes have been marked by systematic intimidation of the opposition and fraud, and the US and others have said a credible vote is key to lifting international sanctions.

“The campaign has so far been conducted in a free and peaceful environment, and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections ... Let us continue to be united and address our differences peacefully. The strongest response to violence is peace. The strongest response to hate is love,” Mnangagwa’s statement read.

There is no indication of who might be responsible for the attack. There have been frequent allegations of assassination attempts directed at Mnangagwa and other senior politicians, although these have not involved bombings or firearms.

“Investigations are under way and more details will be given to the public. There have been multiple attempts on the president’s life over the past five years,” said George Charamba, the president’s spokesman.

Timeline Mugabe goes - how his resignation came about Show Hide Tanks on street Zimbabweans post video footage of tanks moving on the outskirts of the capital, Harare. Read more Mugabe detained The army declares that Robert Mugabe has been detained at his residence as it takes control of the streets of Harare. It denies that a coup has taken place. Read more Digging in Mugabe refuses to step down during talks with generals. Envoys from the Southern African Development Community are dispatched to Harare to hold talks at the presidency. Read more A public appearance The president shocks Zimbabweans – and the wider world – by appearing in public at a university graduation ceremony. Calls for Mugabe to go only increase, but he clings on. Read more Protests Thousands of protesters flood Zimbabwe's streets demanding Mugabe's resignation. Read more The resignation speech that wasn't The head of Zimbabwe's war veterans' association says Mugabe should give in "now", but in another twist, the 93-year-old gives a public address that makes no mention of resigning. Read more Impeachment plan The once-loyal Zanu-PF, the ruling party, outlines a plan for launching the impeachment process in parliament the next day. Read more Mugabe goes Parliament reconvenes for a session to impeach Mugabe, which is interrupted when the speaker announces that the president has resigned. Read more

The consequences of the attack are unclear but could affect the ability of the opposition to campaign.

One opposition official, who did not want to be named, said he feared a “major crackdown” following the blast.



However Bulawayo, an opposition stronghold, remained calm on Saturday night with no evidence of reinforced security forces or operations, local journalists said.

Mnangagwa said on Twitter that he was awaiting further information about the blast but added, without elaborating, that those responsible must have come from “outside Bulawayo.” He added: “I can assure you these are my normal enemies.”

The November crisis was the culmination of a lengthy power struggle between a faction of young politicians led by Mugabe’s wife, Grace, and supporters of Manangagwa.

So far the political environment in Zimbabwe is dramatically improved compared with previous elections. Respected human rights activists in Zimbabwe say that levels of harassment or intimidation remain relatively low.

The MDC is holding rallies in Zanu-PF strongholds where previously it feared to set foot and has been allowed to march through central Harare.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, said on Twitter: “Our prayers go out to the injured and we hope no lives have been lost. Violence must have no place in our politics. ”

Opinion of Mnangagwa is divided among western diplomats and analysts in Harare.



Some are convinced the president wants to be seen as the statesman who has restored democracy in Zimbabwe and who would step down if defeated. Others say Mnangagwa, known as the Crocodile, “does not have a democratic bone in his body”, but has pragmatically recognised the need to win international legitimacy if his country is to access the financial assistance it so desperately needs.

Zimbabwe last had blasts at rallies in the 1980s, which had targeted Mugabe.</s>Zimbabwe ruled out Sunday delaying July elections after a bomb blast at a ruling party rally in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly escaped unharmed.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga — who was among those injured in Saturday’s attack — said the first parliamentary and presidential polls of the post-Robert Mugabe era would go ahead as scheduled on July 30.

“Let me be very clear, nothing will stop the election in Zimbabwe, nothing at all,” Chiwenga told a rally of the ruling ZANU-PF party in the town of Chintugwiza near Harare.

“That act of terrorism in Bulawayo is nothing. It does not deter anyone,” he said, adding that no political rallies would be cancelled and urging fellow politicians to “continue to campaign peacefully”.

Footage from Saturday’s event showed a device exploding and plumes of smoke billowing around Mnangagwa as he descended from the podium at the White City stadium in Zimbabwe’s second largest city Bulawayo.

Mnangagwa — who took power after Mugabe’s ouster in November — said he was the target of the attack, which the state media is describing as an assassination attempt.

Police said 49 people, including Chiwenga and fellow Vice President Kembo Mohadi, were injured, some seriously, and that were investigations were ongoing.

It is not known who carried out the attack, and there has been no claim of responsibility.

While Bulawayo has long been a bastion of opposition to the ZANU-PF and it was Mnangagwa’s first rally in the city, commentators suggest the attack could have been sparked by internal party ructions.

Mnangagwa, 75, said the device “exploded a few inches away from me”.

“These are my mortal enemies and the attempts have been so many,” he told the state broadcaster on Saturday night.

“It’s not the first attempt (on) my life. I’m used to it. Six times my office has been broken into; cyanide was put in my offices so many times.”

July’s polls will be the first ballot box test for Mnangagwa, and the first since Mugabe resigned following a brief military takeover in November after 37 years in power.

Mnangagwa — Mugabe’s onetime right-hand man who was known as the “Crocodile” for his ruthlessness — called Sunday for unity and peace.

“In November, we all came together motivated by a dream, (for) a free, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe, a peaceful Zimbabwe,” he said in an audio clip.

“Now some people are trying to kill our dream.

“While we have all chosen the path of peace others unfortunately still cling to the tools of violence. I assure you they will not succeed,” he said.

Previous elections in Zimbabwe had been marred by electoral fraud, intimidation and violence, including the killing of scores of opposition supporters in 2008.

This time around, Mnangagwa has pledged to hold free and fair elections as he seeks to mend international relations and have sanctions against Zimbabwe dropped.

“Mnangagwa’s measured response to the attack has been perceived as being statesmanlike,” said Chatham House’s Knox Chitiyo.

“But there is still a real worry among Zimbabweans about possible violent incidents and escalation.”

“It looks very much like an internal crisis within ZANU-PF,” added Gideon Chitanga of the Johannesburg based think-tank Political Economy Southern Africa.

“The end game in ZANU-PF succession politics will be long and it’s ramifications dire.”

In neighbouring South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the “barbaric and cowardly” attack.

“We stand behind the people of Zimbabwe. We will not let Zimbabwe fail because of these bomb blasts,” Ramaphosa told ANC party supporters.

He said the attack was aimed at sowing “mayhem and turmoil” and described it as an “assault against democracy”.

Zimbabwe police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said “comprehensive investigations are in progress” into the blast.

Plain-clothes police conducted random stop-and-search operations on the streets of Bulawayo while armed police mounted check points along the main highway leading out of the city.

For ordinary voters like Harare-based Crispen Pfundirwa, their main concern was now security.

“Since (independence in) 1980 we have not seen any bomb blast at a rally. These sort of things don’t happen in Zimbabwe but in Iraq and Iran.”</s>- Eyewitnesses said they heard a gunshot, probably from a sniper, at the rally in Bulawayo before a grenade was thrown at where the Zimbabwe president was seated

- Some people were said to have died instantly from the explosion, but the leader who was the clear target of the attack survived

- Investigations have been kicked off into the incident which may have claimed the life of the country's vice president

President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa has survived an attempt on his life by unknown persons, Guardian UK reports.

According to reports, the African leader was almost killed in an explosion while at a rally in Bulawayo.

The Guardian UK quotes local media as saying that security personnel, several ministers and probably the vice-president were hurt in the blast inside the White City stadium on Saturday, June 23.

The president himself confirmed the attack in a tweet on his official Twitter handle

The president expressed sadness at the event and called for Zimbabweans to continue to unite against such violence in the future.

Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba, told local media that the assassination attempt is already being investigated.

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“Investigations are under way and more details will be given to the public. There have been multiple attempts on the president’s life over the past five years,” he said.

Meanwhile, videos of the assassination attempt has surfaced online, with several showing the massive explosion that nearly claimed the African leader's life.

Another video of the attack:

NAIJ.com recalls that Mnangagwa was sworn in as new president of Zimbabwe about six months ago after former leader Robert Mugabe resigned after about 37 years in power in the southern African country.</s>Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption This video has been removed for rights reasons

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has survived an apparent bomb attack at a rally in the city of Bulawayo.

Mr Mnangagwa said an object "exploded a few inches away from me - but it is not my time".

Video footage from White City Stadium shows an explosion happening close to Mr Mnangagwa as he leaves the stage after addressing supporters.

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa said 15 people were injured, three of them seriously.

The exact number of people hurt by the blast remains unclear - and reports suggest it may be significantly higher.

The president was in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city and an opposition stronghold, to campaign for his Zanu-PF party ahead of nationwide elections taking place on 30 July.

He is favourite to win the poll, but analysts say he also has enemies - both for overthrowing his former mentor, Robert Mugabe, and for being a previous enforcer of the Mugabe regime.

A spokesman for Mr Mnangagwa said that while the president was unhurt, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi suffered a leg injury. Another vice-president, Constantino Chiwenga, received bruises to his face.

Image copyright EPA Image caption Red Cross personnel rush an injured army member away from the rally

Other officials, including Zanu-PF party chairwoman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, were also injured, as were some crew members from state broadcaster ZBC and security personnel.

Mr Mnangagwa, 75, said he had visited the injured in hospital. He condemned the violence as senseless and pleaded for unity.

"I am used to these attempts," he told state media.

Mr Mnangagwa came to power last November after ousting Mr Mugabe.

He was evacuated from the scene soon after the blast.

"People started running in all directions and then immediately the president's motorcade left at a very high speed," an AFP news agency correspondent at the scene reported.

Image copyright EPA Image caption President Mnangagwa (centre) was campaigning ahead of elections next month

The elections are the first in Zimbabwe since Mr Mugabe was forced out after 37 years in power.

"Vice-President Mohadi is nursing some leg injuries but he is in good spirit," he was quoted as saying.

Marry Chiwenga, the wife of Vice-President Chiwenga, was also injured and pictures on social media showed the president visiting her in hospital.

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa condemned the attack.

"Political violence of any nature from any quarter is totally unacceptable," he said.

"In the past 38 years political violence has been a permanent feature and an anticipated ritual... which we must expunge."

The US Embassy in Harare tweeted "thoughts & prayers".

The election - dominated by economic issues - is the first to be monitored by international observers since 2002. Mr Mnangagwa has said the vote will be free and fair.

More on Zimbabwe:

Who is Emmerson Mnangagwa?

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Emmerson Mnangagwa: Who is the man known as the ‘crocodile’?

Known as "the crocodile" because of his political shrewdness - his Zanu-PF faction is "Lacoste"

Received military training in China and Egypt

Tortured by Rhodesian forces after his "crocodile gang" staged attacks

Helped direct Zimbabwe's war of independence in the 1960s and 1970s

Became the country's spymaster during the 1980s civil conflict, in which thousands of civilians were killed, but has denied any role in the massacres, blaming the army

Accused of masterminding attacks on opposition supporters after 2008 election

Says he will deliver jobs, and seen as open to economic reforms

The 'crocodile' who snapped back</s>Zimbabwe's president has escaped injury after an explosion at a stadium where he was addressing a rally, in what state media are describing as an assassination attempt.

Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed that the "cowardly act" will not derail next month's historic election - the first since long-time leader Robert Mugabe stepped down.

He said the object had "exploded a few inches away from me, but it is not my time".

One of Zimbabwe's two vice presidents, Kembo Mohadi, suffered a leg injury in the blast, which happened in Bulawayo.

The country's environment minister, deputy speaker of parliament and several security personnel were also among the injured.

Footage posted online showed the president waving to the crowd as he turned to step off the podium and walked into the open-sided VIP tent, where the explosion happened seconds later.

People were seen ducking and screaming as smoke billowed through the stadium - with state television immediately cutting the broadcast.

No groups have come forward to say that they were behind the explosion so far.

Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and is traditionally an opposition stronghold.

The blast happened just hours after a similar attack in Ethiopia during a rally for the country's new prime minister. An attacker threw a grenade towards the stage where he was sitting - killing one person and injuring at least 83 others.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba told The Zimbabwe Herald that an investigation had been launched and said there had been "multiple attempts" on Mr Mnangagwa's life over the years.

Mr Mnangagwa later visited those who were injured in the blast at the local hospital.

Speaking hours after the explosion, the president said: "The campaign so far has been conducted in a free and peaceful environment and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections."

The president has joked about the attempts on his life while on the campaign trail.

Mr Mnangagwa came to power in November after former ally Robert Mugabe stepped down under military pressure.

The transfer of power began when Mr Mnangagwa was sacked as Mugabe's deputy and said he had to flee the country immediately as his life was in danger.

The election on 30 July will be the first without Mr Mugabe in the southern African nation since independence in 1980.

The British Embassy tweeted: "There is no place for any form of political violence in Zimbabwe. We want to express our sympathy and concern for all those who have been injured."

The US Embassy also condemned the attack on Twitter and said "political violence in any form is unacceptable" and contrary to the progress needed to move the country forward and "take its place on the global stage".

American officials have said a credible vote is the only way international sanctions can be lifted.</s>The remains of Morgan Tsvangirai, a former prime minister of Zimbabwe and a leading opponent of Robert Mugabe, were driven through the streets of Harare on February 19 before an official state funeral scheduled for the following day. Thousands lined the streets and filled Freedom Square in Harare for a memorial service. The 65-year-old died of colon cancer on February 14. This video shows a van carrying Tsvangirai’s remains, followed by a procession of cars, slowly moving through the capital as bystanders cheer and take photos. Credit: MDC Zimbabwe via Storyful

AN explosion rocked a stadium where Zimbabwe’s president was addressing a campaign rally on Saturday, with state media calling it an assassination attempt but saying he was not hurt and was evacuated from the scene.

Witnesses said several people appeared to be injured, including the Vice President.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa was whisked to a state house in Bulawayo, where he had been speaking ahead of next month’s historic election, the first since longtime leader Robert Mugabe stepped down.

“Attempt on ED’s life,” the state-run Zimbabwe Herald’s headline said, referring to the president by his initials.

The blast occurred as Mnangagwa had just finished addressing the crowd and was leaving the podium.

Footage posted online showed the president waving to the crowd, turning to step off the podium and walking into the open-sided VIP tent, where seconds later the explosion occurred.

People ducked and screamed and smoke billowed. State television immediately cut its broadcast. The broadcaster, ZBC, later reported that Vice President Kembo Mohadi was injured in the leg and taken to a local hospital.

The explosion came just hours after a similar attack in Ethiopia, where a blast killed at least one person and injured scores just after the new prime minister addressed a huge rally in the capital.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba told The Zimbabwe Herald that investigations were underway, and pointed out that there have been “multiple attempts” on Mnangagwa’s life over the years.

The president himself has openly joked about the attempts, including during his campaigning.

Mnangagwa took power in November after former ally Mugabe stepped down under military pressure.

That dramatic transfer of power began when Mnangagwa was fired as Mugabe’s deputy and said he had to immediately flee the country for his life.

The July 30 election will be the first without Mugabe in the southern African nation since independence in 1980.

Mnangagwa has pledged to hold a free and fair election, inviting Western observers for the first time in almost two decades.

Past votes have been marked by allegations of violence and fraud, and the United States and others have said a credible vote is key to lifting international sanctions.</s>Zimbabwe’s president narrowly survived an attempt on his life this afternoon after a blast at a party rally.

Two of his vice-presidents and several party officials were injured in the blast, however president Emmerson Mnangagwa avoided injury.

He later visited his two injured vice presidents and declared the ‘cowardly act’ will not disrupt elections.

Footage showed the smiling president walking off the stage and into a crowded tent when the blast occurred, sending up smoke as people screamed and ran for cover.

Officials said Mr Mnangagwa was whisked from the stadium rally to a nearby government building in Bulawayo, a traditional opposition stronghold.

The explosion went off ‘a few inches away from me, but it is not my time’, the president told state broadcaster ZBC.

Mr Mnangagwa, who has joked about multiple attempts on his life, said he was used to them by now.

At least 15 people were injured in the blast. Vice President Kembo Mohadi had leg injuries, while Constantino Chiwenga, a second vice president and the former military commander, had facial bruises.

Most of the injured were discharged from a hospital after treatment, presidential spokesman George Charamba said.

However three were seriously injured.

The blast and lack of clarity about who was behind it injected new uncertainty into preparations for the July 30 elections, the first since longtime leader Robert Mugabe stepped down in November after a military takeover.

Mr Mnangagwa, who was fired as Mugabe’s deputy in a ruling party feud shortly before the transition, took over with pledges to deliver free and fair elections.

He said he was awaiting further information about the blast but added those responsible must have come from ‘outside Bulawayo’. He added: ‘I can assure you these are my normal enemies.’

Mr Mnangagwa on Saturday evening appealed to the southern African nation for unity.

‘The campaign has been conducted in a free and peaceful environment, and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections,’ he said.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, said: ‘Our prayers go out to the injured and we hope no lives have been lost. Violence must have no place in our politics.’

The United States and Britain were among countries that condemned the explosion.

The US Embassy said ‘political violence in any form is unacceptable’ and contrary to the progress needed to move Zimbabwe forward to ‘take its place on the global stage.’</s>Zimbabwe's government is calling an explosion Saturday an assassination attempt on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was holding a campaign rally at a stadium.

The President escaped injuries, but others were injured and hospitalized. The blast occurred at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.

"Investigations are underway and more details will be given to the public," presidential spokesman George Charamba said, according to the state-run newspaper The Herald.

"There have been multiple attempts on the President's life over the past five years."

The country's two vice presidents were among at least eight people injured, The Herald reported. Kembo Mohadi suffered leg injuries, and Constantino Chiwenga had slight facial bruises, state media said.

Other injured officials included Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, minister of water, environment and climate, and Engelbert Rugeje, party secretary of the ruling ZANU-PF.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp. said three of its crew members were hurt and taken to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo

The US Embassy in Harare condemned the attack.

"Political violence in any form is unacceptable & contrary (to the) positive progress required (to) move Zim forward as it seeks (to) take its place on the global stage," the embassy said on Twitter. "Our thoughts & prayers go out (to the) victims & their families."

Next month's presidential elections will be the first since the country's military forced Robert Mugabe out of office in an apparent coup in November.</s>Zimbabwe’s government is calling an explosion Saturday an assassination attempt on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was holding a campaign rally at a stadium.

The president escaped injuries, but others were injured and hospitalized. A security officer had to have a leg amputated, presidential spokesman George Charamba said. The blast occurred at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.

“This incident doesn’t stand in the way of the electoral program,” he said. “It doesn’t undermine the security of the country, but we are jolted. We are not used to this kind of violence.”

A “complex investigation” is underway, he said.

“The president’s response has been: We answer with love. We must not speculate ahead of investigations,” Charamba said.

The country’s two vice presidents were among the injured, the state-run newspaper The Herald reported. Kembo Mohadi suffered leg injuries, and Constantino Chiwenga had slight facial bruises, state media said.

Chiwenga’s wife was also hospitalized, but she has been treated and released, Charamba said.

Other injured officials include Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, minister of water, environment and climate, and Engelbert Rugeje, party secretary of the ruling ZANU-PF.

Mohadi remained hospitalized early Sunday, as did Muchinguri, Charamba said.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp. said three of its crew members were hurt and taken to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo

The U.S. Embassy in Harare condemned the attack.

“Political violence in any form is unacceptable & contrary to the positive progress required to move Zim forward as it seeks to take its place on the global stage,” the embassy said on Twitter. “Our thoughts & prayers go out to the victims & their families.”

Nelson Chamisa, an opposition leader in Zimbabwe, denounced the stadium explosion. Chamisa heads the Movement for Democratic Change and is a contender for president in elections next month.

“Our prayers go out to the injured and we hope no lives have be lost,” Chamisa said. “Violence must have no place in our politics. May God bless and protect the country we all love.”

The presidential elections will be the first since the country’s military forced Robert Mugabe out of office in an apparent coup in November.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa survives an apparent assassination attempt when an explosive device detonates at an election campaign rally in Bulawayo. A few bystanders, including Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, suffer minor injuries.