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Ngarivhume has no tears to shed for 'sell-out' Linda Masarira
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The death of veteran activist and opposition politician Linda Masarira has triggered emotional reactions across Zimbabwe's political landscape, with comments by Jacob Ngarivhume drawing particular attention online.
Masarira, leader of the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party, died in Harare on Sunday at the age of 43 after reportedly battling health complications.
Following the announcement of her death, Ngarivhume - who leads the Christian-based opposition party Transform Zimbabwe - posted a strongly-worded message on X in which he accused Masarira of betraying opposition colleagues and aligning herself with the ruling establishment.
In the lengthy post, Ngarivhume claimed he and his wife had supported Masarira and her family during periods when she faced persecution and imprisonment, including offering assistance during court proceedings.
However, he alleged that relations later deteriorated after Masarira allegedly joined forces with ZANU–PF and made accusations against opposition activists.
Ngarivhume also referenced events surrounding the planned anti-corruption protests of 2020, alleging that Masarira later gave an interview accusing him of receiving foreign funding from Americans.
"She dedicated the last half of her life to selling out," he wrote in the post, further claiming that ruling party officials had later abandoned her after using her for political purposes.
The remarks quickly generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising Ngarivhume for speaking harshly about the deceased, while others defended his comments as an expression of unresolved political grievances.
Masarira was a prominent and often controversial figure in Zimbabwean opposition politics and activism.
She first entered politics through the People's Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti before later becoming spokesperson for the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai faction led by Thokozani Khupe.
In 2019, she founded LEAD, positioning the party around labour rights, women's rights and social justice issues.
She unsuccessfully attempted to contest the 2023 presidential election after nomination fees were sharply increased by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Her death has prompted tributes from activists, politicians and civil society groups, many of whom described her as a fearless advocate for women and vulnerable communities despite the political controversies that often surrounded her career.
Masarira, leader of the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party, died in Harare on Sunday at the age of 43 after reportedly battling health complications.
Following the announcement of her death, Ngarivhume - who leads the Christian-based opposition party Transform Zimbabwe - posted a strongly-worded message on X in which he accused Masarira of betraying opposition colleagues and aligning herself with the ruling establishment.
In the lengthy post, Ngarivhume claimed he and his wife had supported Masarira and her family during periods when she faced persecution and imprisonment, including offering assistance during court proceedings.
Sadly, l have no tears to shed for Linda. We stood with her when she was persecuted by Zanu Pf back then, Mrs Ngarivhume and l, looked after her family when she was in prison. My party Transform Zimbabwe supported her in court. In teturn when she was released, pic.twitter.com/PlIZ5QhNm6
— Jacob Ngarivhume (@NgarivhumeJ) May 24, 2026
However, he alleged that relations later deteriorated after Masarira allegedly joined forces with ZANU–PF and made accusations against opposition activists.
Ngarivhume also referenced events surrounding the planned anti-corruption protests of 2020, alleging that Masarira later gave an interview accusing him of receiving foreign funding from Americans.
"She dedicated the last half of her life to selling out," he wrote in the post, further claiming that ruling party officials had later abandoned her after using her for political purposes.
The remarks quickly generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising Ngarivhume for speaking harshly about the deceased, while others defended his comments as an expression of unresolved political grievances.
Masarira was a prominent and often controversial figure in Zimbabwean opposition politics and activism.
She first entered politics through the People's Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti before later becoming spokesperson for the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai faction led by Thokozani Khupe.
In 2019, she founded LEAD, positioning the party around labour rights, women's rights and social justice issues.
She unsuccessfully attempted to contest the 2023 presidential election after nomination fees were sharply increased by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Her death has prompted tributes from activists, politicians and civil society groups, many of whom described her as a fearless advocate for women and vulnerable communities despite the political controversies that often surrounded her career.
Source - Byo24News
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