MDC-T activist who died in custody 'could have survived': Relative

The family of the late MDC-T activist Rebecca Mafukeni, who died in remand custody this week have told NewsDay that they believe if she had received treatment early enough she would have survived.

Rebecca Mafukeni was arrested two years ago over the alleged murder of Police Inspector Petros Mutedza.

Mafukeni died at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare on Monday. She was 29.

Mafukeni was arrested alongside 28 other MDC-T activists for the alleged murder and remained in custody with four other party activists, while their 24 other co-accused were released on bail late last year.

Mafukeni's aunt Saziso Mugobo said she had no kind words for prison authorities.

"It started off as a headache while she was at Chikurubi (Maximum Security Prison). When her mother visited her, she established Rebecca was in a bad state and requested that she be taken to hospital where she was diagnosed to be suffering from meningitis. I strongly believe if she had received treatment early enough she would have survived," Mugobo fumed.

"The party (MDC-T) has been extremely supportive since our child was arrested. Right now, they have taken care of the entire funeral and we are highly appreciative."

She added that Mafukeni joined the MDC-T at its inception as a 15-year old Form Two student.

In a statement yesterday, MDC-T national youth spokesperson Clifford Hlatshwayo described Mafukeni as "a soldier of the people's struggle" and vowed to carry on with her legacy. Mafukeni will be buried today at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.