By Paul Nyathi|Authorities at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo have revealed that a 14 year old child is amongst the people admitted at the hospital following a bomb blast at a ZANU PF rally on Saturday.
Two people have since died at the hospital from injuries sustained from the bombing.
Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said three patients were still 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 on Saturday including the 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.
The ruling party has been widely condemned for forcing school children under the age of 18 to attend its rallies in order to boost numbers.
It is however not yet clear how the 14 year old child managed to be at the VVIP session where the bomb was detonated. Social media was awash with unconfirmed rumours on Saturday evening that the bomb which missed President Emmerson Mnangagwa by a whisker had been thrown into the VVIP area by a suspected ten year old child.
Meanwhile, National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the death of the two people indicating that investigations were still underway and no official information on the investigations is available yet.
“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.