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US envoy to attend Makumbe burial

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THE late University of Zimbabwe lecturer Professor John Makumbe, who died in Harare on Sunday, will be buried at his rural home in Marenga village, Buhera, tomorrow.<!--

THE late University of Zimbabwe lecturer Professor John Makumbe, who died in Harare on Sunday, will be buried at his rural home in Marenga village, Buhera, tomorrow.

Staff Reporter

Family spokesperson Eric Matinenga said Makumbe’s body would first lie in state at his Chadcombe home before proceeding to Buhera for burial.

“His body will lie in state this evening (last night) at his Chadcombe home. Tomorrow (today) it will be taken to Marenga where he will lie in state again before burial on Wednesday,” said Matinenga, who is also the Minister of Constitutional Affairs.

The late Makumbe died after suffering a heart attack at home and collapsed before he was taken to Arcadia Medical Centre. He had suffered a similar coronary attack last week and was briefly admitted at a local hospital.

Yesterday, politicians, diplomats and human rights activists joined hands in mourning the hugely humorous academic and a fierce critic of President Robert Mugabe.

“I’m going over to the Makumbe home to express my condolences to Mrs Makumbe and the rest of the family.

Dr John, as I knew him, was someone whose ideas and opinions I always respected, even when I did not agree with them. And, I loved his sense of humour and his laugh,” said US ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton.

Mavambo/Khusile/Dawn president Simba Makoni described Makumbe as a versatile individual.

“As a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Prof Makumbe contributed towards education and training of many young Zimbabweans. As a political commentator, chairperson of Transparency International Zimbabwe and activist in civil society organisations, he contributed immensely towards the growth and deepening of democracy, eradication of corruption and defence of human rights,” said Makoni.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights weighed in: “Professor Makumbe was a highly respected member of Zimbabwe’s academic community and the broader civil society and his counsel and guidance contributed immensely to the democratisation cause.”

Makumbe is survived by his wife Virginia and three children, Rumbidzai, Simba and Tawanda.