Former Masvingo mayor dies

From George Maponga in Masvingo
Former Masvingo MDC-T mayor and businessman Alderman Femius Rashai Foroma Chakabuda has died. He was 64. Alderman Chakabuda, who was also a former MDC-T provincial treasurer, died yesterday morning on his way to hospital after he collapsed while taking a bath at his Morningside home in Masvingo city.

Relatives said Alderman Chakabuda died on his way to Makurira Memorial Clinic after collapsing at his home around 7am.

MDC-T Masvingo provincial chairman Mr James Gumbi confirmed Alderman Chakabuda’s death which he described as a huge loss to his party.

“We have been plunged into mourning as a party following the death of Alderman Chakabuda who served as Masvingo mayor with distinction.

“The whole MDC-T family is at loss over his death considering the work he was doing for the party across the entire Masvingo Province,’’ he said.

Mr Gumbi said Alderman Chakabuda, who was an ordinary card-carrying MDC-T member at the time of his death was pronounced dead on his way to hospital after collapsing at his Morningside home.

Alderman Chakabuda served as councillor for Ward 5 in Masvingo city for 18 years after being first elected on a Zanu-PF ticket before later being elected on an MDC-T ticket.

He served as deputy mayor after leaving Zanu-PF to join the MDC-T in 2002.

Alderman Chakabuda also served as president of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2013. Mourners are gathered at his Morningside home.