Zimbabwe's 'Black Jesus' dies

Self-styled war veterans' leader and pioneer of the chaotic land reform exercise in 2000, Francis Zimuto, popularly known as Black Jesus, has died.

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson, Amasa Nhenjana, said Zimuto died at his mother's home in Gutu yesterday, adding that the province had requested the politburo to declare him a national hero.

Nenjana said burial arrangements would only be announced after the politburo decided on Zimuto's status.

A fierce critic of First Lady Grace Mugabe, Zimuto, in February this year, sent tongues wagging when he described her as "a young girl", who should concentrate on her household chores and stop meddling in Zanu-PF succession politics.