Mnangagwa says the strongest response to violence is peace as he escapes blast

President Emmerson Mnangagwa who escaped an explosion at White City Stadium in Bulawayo after addressing a mass rally there says the strongest response to violence is peace.

“Let us continue to be united and address our differences peacefully,” he tweeted. “The strongest response to violence is peace. The strongest response to hate is love.”

Mnangagwa said there was an explosion on the stage as he was leaving a “wonderful” rally in Bulawayo.

He said several people were affected by the blast and he had already visited some of them in hospital.

“While we await further information, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence. 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.

Details of those injured as still scanty but reports say Vice-President Kembo Mohadi and ZANU-PF chairman Oppah Muchinguri were injured.

Mnangagwa has promised peaceful free and fair, transparent and credible elections which are open to international, regional and local observers.

The elections are 37 days away.

Mnangagwa’s main rival Nelson Chamisa also condemned the violence tweeting: “Terrible events at White City stadium. Our prayers go out to the injured and we hope no lives have be lost. Violence must have no place in our politics. May God bless and protect the country we all love.”

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