HARARE - President Robert Mugabe was so shocked by Vice President John Nkomo’s death that he could not even stomach the courage to accompany the deceased body to Tsholotho and Bulawayo, Zanu PF national chairperson Simon Khaya Moyo said.

Addressing about 600 people at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo yesterday, the Zanu PF chairperson said Mugabe had been left stunned because Nkomo was his right hand man.

Nkomo who died on Thursday last week, had endured a long battle with cancer.

Khaya Moyo  who is tipped as one of the contenders for the position left vacant by Nkomo was accompanied by other party heavyweights like spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, State Security minister Sydney Sekeramayi as well as women’s league secretary Oppah Muchinguri.

From the MDC, the minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals Gorden Moyo and Member of Parliament for Mpopoma, Felix Mafa, also attended the service.

Heavy rains almost disrupted Nkomo’s memorial service because his body arrived late from Tsholotsho as heavy rains delayed the helicopter that was carrying the late vice president’s remains.

Nkomo’s body which supposed to be taken to the White City Stadium had to be taken to Large City Hall because of heavy rains.

Family spokesperson and  Water Resources, Development minister Sipepa Nkomo described the late vice president as a man of peace who advocated for reconciliation among Zimbabweans.

“He didn’t care whether someone was Shona or Ndebele; he wanted to see all tribes united in Zimbabwe. As Zimbabweans, we should learn to tolerate each other despite political affiliation,” said Sipepa Nkomo.

He added: “The family agreed that Nkomo should be buried at the Heroes’ Acre where other colleagues who include Joshua Nkomo are buried.”

Nkomo will be buried today. - Staff Writer