Prominent Mbira artiste dies

Prominent Chikomba mbira player Munashe Dondo (33) has died.

The cause of Dondo's death is not clear as he was found by the side Chivhu - Muranda Road near Hokonya Business Centre with indications being that he could have been killed in a hit and run accident.

However Dondo who is cousin to prominent Harare businessman Thompson Dondo is said to have been found with a sharp wound below his ribs which suggests that he could have been killed before being thrown on the side of the road to fake an accident.

The incident happened on Friday and he was buried on Tuesday last week.

The deceased's uncle Godwill Dondo and his cousin brother Thompson Dondo confirmed the death. The deceased who resided at Hokonya Primary school left home at around 3pm on Friday to Bishop Olla Juru's place of residence in Nharira where he was invited to play mbira.

Deputy officer commanding Chivhu District Suprentendant for crime, Lameck Mtetwa confirmed the death. He said Police attended the scene and recorded is as a hit and run incident. He added that investigations were still in progress.

The deceased's uncle said they are not sure whether Dondo arrived at the band or not. He said they were informed about his death by neighbours whom had seen him lying on the road about 500 meters from Hokonya township and that was around 11 pm. He said they were surprised that there were no speed marks and the injuries were not consistent with the hit and run.

He said there was suspicion that he could have been stabbed with a sharp object just below his ribs. Dondo was a talented mbira player and he taught students from Madzivire Range Secondary School to play mbira. The deceased left behind his 8-year-old daughter.