By Paul Nyathi|Giving a Vote of Thanks and closing remarks at the end of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally in Gwanda on Friday, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said that the people of Gwanda and Matabeleland South province were happy that he was leaving the town in good health.

Recounting Mnangagwa’s historic last visit to Pelandaba Stadium in the town, the day he was poisoned while attending a Zanu-PF rally last August, Vice President Mohadi thanked President Mnangagwa for clearing the air that non of the people from Gwanda and Matabeleland South were involved in the poisoning incident.

“We are happy that today you go back in good health and thank you for clearing the air that the people who caused your problems are not from here but those that you came here with,” said Mohadi.

Mnangagwa who was then the Vice President, had to be airlifted to a military hospital in Gweru enroute to South Africa after eating suspected poisoned ice cream at the rally addressed by former President Robert Mugabe.

Addressing about 20 000 Zanu-PF supporters at his first rally after the alleged poisoning incident and his first at the venue as President and Zanu-PF First Secretary, Mnangagwa said not a single person from Matabeleland South was involved in the attempt on his life.

“That was August 12 last year when I left here, I remember standing up, I was accompanied by Mohadi and others. I don’t remember about the helicopter. I was told that the helicopter took us to Gweru, my wife told Chiwenga about what had happened and he came and took me to South Africa and I survived,” Mnangagwa said.

“However, I want you to know that there is no single person from Matabeleland South who was involved in the matter, those who did it came with me from Harare,” he said amidst loud cheers from the crowd.

Welcoming Mnangagwa to the province, the Zanu-PF provincial chairperson Rapelang Choene congratulated Mnangagwa for surviving the poisoning incident which brought a huge dent to the province.

“This is the place where the enemy wanted to finish you but today I promise you that you won’t die, God is with you. This is your home, those who wanted to kill you, God has shown them that he has power,” said Choene.

“As Matabeleland South, we are happy that you are here today alive and well after all the hardships you faced.”