Prof Makumbe dies

A senior MDC-T official confirmed that Professor John Makumbe has died, the Zimeye reported today.

MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said Makumbe, who was a key member of his party, died at Arcadia Medical Centre in Harare on Sunday morning after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Makumbe had last September declared his intentions to run for the Buhera West parliamentary seat on an MDC-T ticket in Zimbabwe's next polls.

Makumbe wanted to contest the seat which was going to be left by Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga, who is quitting politics.

Tributes poured in for Makumbe - including from Zanu-PF.

Psychology Maziwiza, Zanu-PF's deputy director of information said: "Today, we are a nation in a state of shock. Professor Makumbe was a wonderful and warm human being whose sudden death has left many deeply troubled.

"Our hearts go out to his family at this very difficult time."

Maziwisa said he had the "privilege" of debating with him at a public meeting in Harare recently and Makumbe "spoke very eloquently and passionately about his dream for a prosperous Zimbabwe."

He added: "His criticism of Zanu PF over the years has helped demonstrate that we are a nation tolerant of different views. Prof Makumbe had a unique sense of humour which made our politics exciting. He shall be sorely missed."

Burial details for the late Makumbe were not yet out by Sunday afternoon.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and five children.