Matemadanda died of suspected food poisoning at war veterans event

Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died, bringing to a close a long and influential career in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, politics and public service.

The death was confirmed on Sunday by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

"Ambassador Victor Matemadanda passed away last night. This is a deeply saddening loss," Mangwana said in a statement posted on social media.

"Dr Matemadanda served as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini. Sincere condolences go to His Excellency the President, whom he represented with dedication, and to his family, friends, colleagues and the nation at large."

His death follows reports that he had been admitted to a Harare hospital after falling seriously ill in the aftermath of a recent national assembly of war veterans held in the capital.

Sources indicated that Matemadanda had been receiving treatment in an intensive care unit, with speculation emerging that his condition may have been linked to food poisoning. However, those claims were not independently verified and no official confirmation was provided regarding the cause of his illness.

It was confirmed that Matemadanda attended the war veterans' gathering addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week.

A veteran of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, Matemadanda was one of the country's most recognisable war veterans and played a prominent role in national politics for many years.

He rose to become secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, where he emerged as a key voice on issues affecting former liberation fighters.

In 2019, he was appointed Zanu-PF Political Commissar, succeeding retired army general Engelbert Rugeje.

His political career was marked by both influence and controversy. In 2016, he was expelled from Zanu-PF after publicly criticising former president Robert Mugabe. However, he returned to political prominence following the events of November 2017 that ushered Mnangagwa into office.

Matemadanda later served as Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs before leaving government in 2021.

Following his departure from government, he was appointed Zimbabwe's ambassador to both Mozambique and Eswatini, a diplomatic role he held until his death.

His passing has also revived memories of a serious health scare in 2020 when he became critically ill after reportedly experiencing symptoms that included severe vomiting, excessive sweating and body swelling. At the time, speculation circulated that he may have been poisoned, although no official findings were ever released to substantiate those claims.

Throughout his career, Matemadanda remained an outspoken and influential figure within the war veterans' movement and Zanu-PF structures, frequently participating in national debates and political discussions.

Tributes have begun pouring in from government officials, former colleagues, war veterans and supporters, many of whom have described him as a committed liberation fighter, loyal public servant and dedicated representative of Zimbabwe abroad.

Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the government in due course.