Zanu-PF snubs Tongogara's funeral

MICHAEL, the elder brother of the late Zanla chief and national hero, Josiah Magama Tongogara died in Mt Darwin last week, but Zanu-PF snubbed his burial yesterday, it has emerged.

By yesterday evening, Zanu-PF officials were yet to pay their condolences to the Tongogara family. Family spokesperson and one of Josiah Tongogara's sons, Granger said his uncle succumbed to hypertension and died on Tuesday last week at the age of 75, the Standard reported.

Michael was still an active Zanu-PF member although he did not hold a position anymore. He was based in Zambia during the liberation struggle and used to house many senior Zanu-PF officials at his residence in Chingolo.

The late Michael died a bitter man complaining that his party, President Robert Mugabe, Vice President Joice Mujuru and others who used to be close to Tongogara had neglected the late hero's 10 children, most of whom were struggling to make ends meet.

Until the time of his death, Michael was still in the dark regarding the death of Josiah Magama Tongogara in a mysterious car accident on December 26 1979 saying the family still longed for answers.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Dickson Mafios yesterday said he was not aware of Michael's death.

"We have not been informed yet," Mafios said.