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Chronicle deputy news editor Paul Nkala dies

by Staff Reporter
21 Mar 2013 at 05:23hrs | Views
Chronicle deputy news editor Paul Nkala has died at the age of 53.

Nkala a veteran journalist and former freedom fighter succumbed to kidney failure at Mater-Dei Hospital on Tuesday night.

His elder brother and family spokesperson, Mr Douglas Nkala, yesterday said the family was deeply saddened by the loss.

"We are all shocked and we are yet to come to terms with the death of my brother Paul. He seemed to be on the road to recovery when his condition suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday," said Mr Nkala.

As news of Nkala's death filtered through, people from all walks of life phoned the Chronicle newsroom to pass their condolences to the veteran journalist, who specialised in court reporting.

Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku who worked with Nkala in the Zipra press corps in Zambia said she was shocked by the veteran journalist's death.

She said Nkala deserved liberation war hero status because he had worked hard before and after independence to fight injustice and always stood firm for what he believed in.

The editor of the Chronicle, Itayi Musengeyi, described Nkala as a legend in the field of journalism.

"We have lost a legend, one of the most experienced journalists in the Zimbabwe Newspapers stable and the entire country. He was a veteran of court reporting and good at grooming young journalists. This is a great loss not only to his family but to us at the Chronicle as well because we were always free to tap into his wealth of experience while he was forthcoming to assist everyone from interns, reporters right up to editors," said Musengeyi.

He said he hoped Nkala's family would find comfort in the fact that they were not alone in this moment of grief as the Chronicle as a whole was also grieving with them.

"We trust the Lord will give them strength to pull through this difficult moment.

"May his soul rest in peace," said Musengeyi.

Former Chronicle editor, Stephen Mpofu said Nkala's legacy would live.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Mourners are gathered at Number 10 Troutbeck Road, in Greenhill suburb.

Nkala is survived by a wife, Maria, three children, Xolisani (29), Xolile (26), Tatenda Paul Junior (21) and two grand children.

The couple was also looking after four orphans, three boys and a girl.

Source - TH