'MDC activist died of natural causes'

A MEMBER of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC-T) reported to have died from Zanu PF violence is said to have died from chronic meningitis, state media reports.

The deceased, Clement Dube who died at Mpilo General Hospital in Bulawayo is said to have dies from “died of chronic meningitis, disseminated tuberculosis and clinical immuno-suppression,” according to a post-mortem examination.

Dube was an MDC-T polling agent in Shurugwi in the 29 March harmonised elections

The Financial Gazette of May 1 carried a story quoting MDC-T spokesman Mr Nelson Chamisa saying that Dube died as a result of assault by Zanu PF supporters.

An investigation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police which had led to the arrest of a suspected Zanu PF supporter, Jeremiah Magwegwe, on allegations on allegations of (suspected) murder, revealed that an altercation had ensued over money.

The altercation was not related to politics, according to the police.

Magwegwe now faces assault charges after the post mortem examination revealed the cause of death.

The MDC-T faction has been accused of claiming dead bodies that have nothing to do with political violence.

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa last month said the MDC-T were not reporting cases of violence (or death) to the police for investigation so their claims could not be substantiated.

"They have this macabre tendency to claim dead bodies. Even people who have died of natural causes are adopted by the MDC-T and the cause of death is subsequently attributed to State-sponsored violence,” said Chinamasa last month.

The Zimbabwe Guardian tried to reach MDC-T spokesman Nelson Chamisa for comment on Dube’s case, but his cell phone went unanswered.