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> 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> President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the bomb blast at a stadium in Bulawayo‚ Zimbabwe‚ during a ZANU-PF rally on Saturday.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa was addressing an election rally at White City Stadium when the incident happened‚ but he managed to escape unharmed.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was also reported to be safe. It was reported that several people had been injured but the extent of the injuries had not yet been established. </s> Two victims of the bomb attack at a Zanu-PF rally in Bulawayo on Saturday have died. The attack saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa escaping unharmed but 49 people who include Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Zanu-PF chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Mrs Marry Chiwenga, the ruling party’s national political commissar, Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje (Retired) and Zanu-PF Women’s League secretary Mabel Chinomona, being injured.

Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said two people, both men, who sustained life threatening injuries in the attack had died.

‘’It is with sadness that despite our efforts to save lives, we have lost two of our patients whom we admitted after the Saturday incident. The first one died at night on Sunday and had suffered serious abdominal and leg injuries,” said Dr Ngwenya.

“The second man died today (yesterday) in the afternoon after surgery. I am not at liberty to give you their names as we are yet to communicate with the affected families.”

He said three patients were in the intensive care unit while three others had been transferred to Harare after their relatives made the request.

Dr Ngwenya said 29 people were brought to the hospital including a 14-year-old. Thirteen were treated and discharged on the same day, leaving 16 admitted.

“We are now left with nine patients of which three of them are critical in the intensive care unit. Some of them are currently undergoing surgery and blood transfusion and we hope they will survive,” said Dr Ngwenya.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said relevant authorities were working on notifying the relatives of the deceased persons.

United Bulawayo Hospitals chief executive officer Mrs Nonhlanhla Ndlovu said they only have two patients who are in a stable condition. Others were taken to Mater Dei Hospital.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday confirmed the death of the two people.

“The ZRP wishes to inform the nation that investigations into the White City Stadium bombing incident still continue.

“However it’s with great sadness and grief that two people succumbed to injuries sustained during the bombing. May their souls rest in eternal peace. The ZRP also extends sincere condolences to bereaved families,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She appealed for more information from the public that will aid in their investigations.

“On the same note we want to thank those patriotic Zimbabweans who have so far provided valuable information,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

The attack at the Zanu-PF rally has been condemned by the United Nations, the African Union, SADC and several countries that include the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa.

In a statement, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said he was disturbed by reports of the attack and urged relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I was disturbed when I received the reports about the attack. Such acts of violence are unacceptable and I call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

“The country’s two Vice Presidents were among the 49 people reportedly hurt by the blast, as well as some Zanu-PF senior officials, members of a television crew from the state broadcasting network and security personnel,” said the UN secretary general.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said violence and criminality had no place in democratic processes in the region while the chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat said he strongly condemns the cowardly bomb attack.

President Ramaphosa said Zimbabwe was ready for elections and Sadc will provide all necessary support.

President Mnangagwa has since challenged the nation to remain united saying those with intentions to kill the “people’s dream” of a prosperous Zimbabwe will not succeed.

In an audio message posted on his Facebook page, President Mnangagwa said a united Zimbabwe will prevail against any destructive forces.

“My fellow Zimbabweans, in November we all came together motivated by a dream. A free, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. A peaceful Zimbabwe.

Though it has not been easy over the past seven months, we have marched together step by step, towards this dream,” he said.

“While the majority of the nation is united behind this dream, there are those who feel threatened by the steps we are taking, they do not want an open and progressive Zimbabwe we are striving for. Now some people are trying to kill our dream, while we have all chosen the path of peace.”

He said the enemies of the people who resort to using violence will not succeed.

“Others unfortunately still cling to the tools of violence. However, I can assure you, they will not succeed. We will not turn back. The forces of progress cannot be stopped. Now, we as a people must unite, with one destiny and one dream. Together we will prevail,” he said.

Police have said investigations are in progress and have since offered a “substantial reward” for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. The Chronicle </s> The recent explosion that occurred at a stadium in the Zimbabwean city of Bulawayo on Saturday during a campaign rally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa was an act of terrorism, Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said.

"That act of terrorism which happened in Bulawayo is nothing, it does not deter us. But if the colleagues running for harmonised elections on the 30th of July are afraid and scared, they will be given security," Chiwenga said Sunday, as quoted by the Herald newspaper.

The Russian Embassy in Zimbabwe has issued a statement condemning the recent assassination attempt on Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa. The statement said that the Russian side wished speedy recovery to everyone wounded in the attack.

On July 30, the Zimbabweans will elect new president. The vote will take place for the first time since end of rule of ousted Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa, who previously served as vice president, was sworn in as Mugabe's successor. </s> Image copyright Reuters Image caption Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed that the attack would not derail the election

Two people injured in Saturday's explosion at a campaign rally in Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo have died, a medical official has said.

Solwayo Ngwenya, clinical director of the city's Mpilo hospital in the city, told AFP other victims had life-threatening injuries.

At least 49 people, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa's two deputies, were injured in the blast.

He said it was an attempt on his life ahead of the 30 July election.

This is the first poll since long-time leader Robert Mugabe was forced from power last year.

Mr Mnangagwa has vowed that the attack would not derail the election.

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

His main rival, Nelson Chamisa, has also condemned the attack, for which there has been no claim of responsibility.

The president told state media that an object "exploded a few inches away from me - but it is not my time". "I am used to these attempts," he added.

The names of the dead have not been released but one is reported to work for Vice-President Constatino Chiwenga.

Eight senior officials suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Video footage from White City Stadium, where the campaign event was being held, shows an explosion happening close to the president as he leaves the stage after addressing supporters.

Police have now offered a reward for information about the suspects.

Sources close to the investigation say they believe a grenade was hurled at the event, the BBC's Shingai Nyoka reports from Harare.

His spokesman said that while the president was unhurt, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi suffered a leg injury, while Mr Vice-President Chiwenga received bruises to his face.

The campaign rally in Bulawayo was Mr Mnangagwa's first in the city, which is an opposition stronghold. </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> - 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> 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 authorities report two people have died following Saturday's bomb attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bulawayo, with several others in critical condition.