Zimbabwe VP Collapses During Campaign Rally
Vice President Kembo Mohadi had a scary health episode last Saturday while campaigning for Zanu-PF in the Gutu West constituency. Eyewitnesses report that Mohadi suddenly said he needed water and collapsed on stage.
Mohadi had been addressing supporters alongside other government ministers like Tinoda Machakaire and Winston Chitando, drumming up votes for deputy youth secretary John Paradza ahead of the November 11th by-election. However, mid-speech Mohadi began looking unwell and asked for water before losing consciousness.
“l need water, I need water,” Mohadi said before he collapsed to the ground.
According to ZimLive, panic ensued as officials rushed to help the fallen VP. His aides and Zanu-PF members including Machakaire carried Mohadi away and arranged for an airlift to a medical facility. The nature of his condition and current status are unclear.
After the alarming incident, security then demanded journalists delete photos of Mohadi falling ill. Former youth leader Tendai Chirau defended curbing press access, saying political events allow controlling messaging. However, observers decried this as repressive.
While Zanu-PF secretary Lovemore Matuke downplayed concerns by attributing it to “sugar diabetes,” the scare was very real. Paradza confirmed Mohadi was safely recovering later on. Sources also said he was panicked by his health scare but stable overnight.
Mohadi’s collapse comes after reports of aging African leaders facing greater wellness risks. Zimbabweans hope for Mohadi’s full recovery following this scary health episode.
