Welshman Ncube suspends rallies to mourn son

Welshman Ncube, leader of the smaller MDC party has suspended party activities and rallies slated for the weekend, following the tragic death of his son Ntabiso.

Kurauone Chihwayi, deputy spokesperson of the MDC said the party has postponed rallies scheduled for the weekend as they join their president in mourning the untimely demise of his son.

"The MDC has cancelled all party activities scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"This has been necessitated by the tragic death of Ntabiso Ncube, son to the MDC president.

"In light of this sad development the Mutoko, Masvingo and Mabvuku rallies have all been cancelled as we all join our president in mourning his son," Chihwayi said.

Nineteen-year-old Ntabiso died after his double-cab Toyota vehicle veered off the road and rammed into a perimeter wall in a Harare suburb in early hours of Saturday.

He was buried on Tuesday in Bulawayo at West Park Cemetery, with hundreds of people from across the political divide in attendance.

Justice minister Patrick Chinamasa, Finance minister Tendai Biti and revived Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa were among notable figures who attended the burial.

Chihwayi said the rallies would resume once the party had fully mourned the sad loss.

"The MDC would like to apologise to its valuable supporters for the inconveniences and the president appreciates the comfort and support that he has been receiving from colleagues and those touched by the sad incident," he added.

Ncube has been on the offensive, holding rallies almost on a weekly basis in preparation of the looming election. He has also undertaken community activities where he has painted a school in Marondera and donated blankets to some clinics.