Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe dies in a car accident

THE Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe has been killed in a car crash while on holiday in Namibia, the embassy announced on Tuesday.

Ambassador Pilar Fuertes Ferragut also doubled up as the Spanish envoy to Zambia and Malawi.

"The Spanish Embassy wishes to inform you of the tragic passing away of H.E. Pilar Fuertes Ferragut... in a car accident on Monday afternoon," said a statement signed by Romée Fisher, an embassy official.

"A Book of Condolences is open from Tuesday until Thursday this week and Tuesday April 10th from 8AM to 4PM at the Embassy (16, Phillips Avenue in Belgravia)."

The ambassador was accredited to Zimbabwe in March 2009 and was ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. A book of condolences has been opened and will remain open until 4pm today and will be open again on Wednesday, Thursday as well as Tuesday next week from 8am-4pm at No. 16 Philips Avenue, Belgravia in Harare.

She represented her country Spain with distinction and acquitted herself well in the execution of her duties.

The ambassador has been described as a friend of the people of Zimbabwe irrespective of race, colour, tribe or political party one belonged to.

Ambassador Ferragut was supportive of Zimbabwean arts and culture as well as humanitarian projects.