BULAWAYO – Kwekwe Central MP Masango Matambanadzo has died, the National Patriotic Front party announced on Tuesday.
NPF spokesman Jealousy Mawarire wrote on Twitter: “Receiving very sad news that our legislator, our only MP, Masango Matambanadzo is no more. It’s a very sad day for us as a party and as a country. The party will issue a statement later.”
Matambanadzo was taken ill last year with suspected food poisoning and received treatment in China.
In February, he attended Parliament looking frail and thanked colleagues for their prayers.
“My body changed into yellow in one day when I fell sick,” Matambanadzo said.
“I want to thank you for your support and prayers. I did not imagine the kind of support that I received.”
Popularly known as Blackman for his skin tone, the former artisanal miner was expelled by Zanu PF in 2017 accused of associations with a faction of the party known as G40.
Matambanadzo stood as a candidate for the NPF in Kwekwe central and became the new party’s only MP.
Despite a humble education – he once said he went up to Grade 7 – ‘Blackman’ was a popular MP and a great debater.
