Zanu-PF MP in mystery hotel death

Mazowe North legislator Engineer Edgar Chidavaenzi (Zanu-PF) was yesterday found dead in a city hotel room. He was believed to be in his 50s.

His colleagues told The Herald that Chidavaenzi was a diabetes and hypertension patient.

Sources close to the matter revealed yesterday that pathologists examined the body and took some samples for investigations. They said more details were likely to be released today after a post-mortem.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the death of Chidavaenzi yesterday, but could not give details.

"I can confirm the death of Mr Edgar Chidavaenzi, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police together with a pathologist are at the scene. Investigations are still in progress," she said last night.

When The Herald news crew arrived at the scene last night, several Members of Parliament were milling outside the hotel building trying to figure out what could have caused the death of their colleague.

Police details could be seen accompanied by senior hotel management, running around as investigations continued.

The Herald crew was denied access to the room on the sixth floor as police cordoned off the area and its surroundings to stop people from compromising evidence.

However, sources at the hotel said Chidavaenzi's body was discovered by the housekeeping team in the course of their chores who then alerted their superiors.

Zanu-PF Chief Whip Lovemore Matuke said the death was a blow not only to the ruling party, but to the Government.

He said Eng Chidavaenzi was diabetic.

"He was an engineer and that qualification enhanced Parliament's oversight, legislative and representative role. He was not controversial but a national builder," said Matuke, who is also Gutu Central legislator.

Mazowe West legislator Kazembe Kazembe (Zanu-PF) said he was saddened and shocked by Chidavaenzi's passing on. He said he had received the news from the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda.

"I received a call from the Clerk of Parliament around 6pm. He said there is an emergency and that MP Chidavaenzi has died. Mr Chokuda said he had to alert me because l am the legislator for Mazowe West constituency," he said.

"We are yet to find out what really transpired and I have noticed that his other relatives are here. His wife is yet to come. I am told she will be arriving soon."

Wedza North legislator David Musabayana (Zanu-PF) said he was in disbelief since he had spent the previous day with Chidavaenzi in Par- liament.

"It is painful. l was with him yesterday in Parliament during the question and answer session. He rose from his usual sitting position, to make way for one of the deputy ministers and finding an alternative seat in the House. Chidavaenzi looked happy and I am traumatised to hear that he has passed on," he said.

Mutasa Central MP Trevor Saruwaka (MDC-T) said: "It is sad to lose one of our sociable MPs who interacted with everyone across the political divide.

"Personally, I had a healthy relationship with him and he was also part of the sports team in Parliament. He was one guy who enjoyed sport and I was recently encouraged by him to participate. May his soul rest in peace."