VP Nkomo laughs off rumours of his death

yesterday said he was still fit to undertake his national duties and laughed off rumours of his death.
Addressing Zanu-PF senior political leadership from Matabeleland region, Vice-President Nkomo described reports that he was dead as mischievous.

He was responding to rumours that circulated on social networks especially Facebook, claiming that he had died.
Vice-President Nkomo, who was recently in South Africa for treatment, said: “I have not died maComrades. I am still there. If there is anyone who wanted me dead I say tough luck,” drawing laughter from the delegates.

“There is only one person who can determine the time of my death and that is God. My life is programmed and I do not trouble myself with the rumours. What surprises me is that I was never bed-ridden. I only visited Cde Herbert Murerwa who is ill.
“This thing haunted us as a family and some relatives were even afraid to talk about it. I remember someone who sent me a message esithi ‘bengibuza nje ukuthi linjani?’ Surely how can someone peddle such lies knowing that relatives are scattered all over?”

The Vice-President said people should not be carried away by such allegations. He said that was the work of the country’s detractors and equated the habit to witchcraft.
“On a serious note ubuthakathi bukhona yes but what does one seek to achieve by doing that? If it was your wish that I die, since I am still alive what did you gain?” said VP Nkomo.
“We tolerate such actions because witchcraft is there but it is against our culture to wish someone dead. To you maComrades I can tell you that I am ok. Yes I might have hiccups here and there but

God has given me life, I am still around and we are still together.”
Vice-President Nkomo said he was still fit to execute his national duties and said the rumours were meant to cause alarm and grief, especially following the death of Retired General Solomon Mujuru and Professor Eliphas Mukonoweshuro, the late Minister of Public Service.
“God has given me power to live. I am there and still committed to work with you. I can drive, I can walk, I can laugh, I eat and I can run,” said Vice-President Nkomo.

“Let us remain working together. We have met these things and they will continue to come but we should not allow them to destroy us.”
VP Nkomo urged the people from Matabeleland to work tirelessly for the development of the region. He affirmed the leadership’s support for its people and denounced allegations that he insulted the people of Matabeleland as lazy.

He said the leadership from the region should speak with one voice in order to avoid confusing people.
He also said the party leadership should take time to listen to the problems affecting people in their areas and be pro-active in finding solutions to them.
Meanwhile, party members also expressed concern over rumours of Vice-President Nkomo’s death with Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Sithembiso Nyoni saying perpetrators of such rumours should be brought to book.

“We are very sorry because some of us have been following those rumours. That is abuse of our leaders and I suggest that we make a resolution here to condemn such issues,” said Minister Nyoni.
“We should not allow the perpetrators to go scot free. In future they have to be tracked down and brought to book.”
Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said people should learn to respect their leaders and desist from rumour mongering.