Dar es Salaam — The CCM National Vice Chairman (Mainland), Philip Mangula was among national figures who attended a high profile event in Dodoma where President John Magufuli laid a foundation stone for the construction of State House offices.

Together with us this event is also attended by the CCM national vice chairman (Mainland) Philip Mangula and party's secretary general Bashiru Ally," said the event's master of ceremony Gerson Msigwa.

Addressing a press conference on March 9, 2020, the Dar es Salaam Regional Police Commander Lazaro Mambosasa said Mr Mangula collapsed while attending the party's meeting which was meant to discuss several issues including disciplining some high profile party's cadres.

"On February 28, the Police force in Dar es Salaam received reports that the CCM vice chairman Mr Mangula had been poisoned while attending the party's meeting at party's headquarters," said Mr Mambosasa.

However, since then, the police and leaders of the ruling CCM have remained tight lipped over Mr Mangula's health as well as the progress of investigations launched by the police.