HARARE - Paramedics were kept busy yesterday as harsh weather saw mourners including feared Zanu PF politburo member Tendai Savanhu collapse at the burial of the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo at the National Heroes Acre.

An unidentified senior police officer was the first to hit the ground as high humidity conditions took their toll in packed tents where the VIPs sat as the nation bade farewell to Nkomo who died of cancer last week.

Savanhu, collapsed as President Robert Mugabe was delivering the keynote speech.

Savanhu was quickly wheeled off the Heroes Acre on a stretcher lying prostrate.

Mugabe continued reading his speech.

Funeral proceedings at the Heroes Acre are often long and taxing events.

Several people have collapsed at the monument previously.

In 2010 Zanu PF MP for Chiredzi South Ailess Baloyi collapsed and was helped on the spot by military paramedics.

Mugabe’s sister Bridget in August 2010 collapsed at the burial of her sister Sabina. - Staff Writer