Zimbabwe: VP Receiving Medical Attention in South Africa

Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga – who was injured in June this year after a bomb exploded at a presidential campaign rally – is receiving treatment in neighbouring South Africa.

Chiwenga sustained his injuries at the rally for President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bulawayo. The bombing killed two security personnel.

The 61-year-old former general – regarded as the true strength behind President Mnangagwa and is tipped to succeed him – was the leading figure behind deposing Zimbabwe’s previous head of state, Robert Mugabe, in November last year.

Presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, speaking to a local media outlet, said: “So [Chiwenga] flew out last Tuesday alongside his wife, who was also due for a review in South Africa, where they then went for medical checks.”

Charamba disclosed that both Chiwenga and his wife were “in good health”, but did not give further details.

The vice president is often seen near President Mnangagwa, but has been noticeably absent for the past two weeks, leading to questions regarding his health.