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MDC-T activist dies in custody

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REBECCA Mafukeni, an MDC-T member and one of the 29 party activists detained in 2011 over the alleged murder of Police Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View suburb, died at Parirenyatwa Hospital yesterday morning.

REBECCA Mafukeni, an MDC-T member and one of the 29 party activists detained in 2011 over the alleged murder of Police Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View suburb, died at Parirenyatwa Hospital yesterday morning.

STAFF REPORTER

MDC-T youth spokesperson Clifford Hlatshwayo confirmed Mafukeni’s death.

“She died this morning at Parirenyatwa Hospital after her health deteriorated. She has been in remand prison for two years. Rebecca had turned blind while in remand prison,” said Hlatshwayo.

Mafukeni was among the five MDC-T activists who remained in remand prison after 24 others were released on bail between November and December last year.

Those who remained in custody are Tungamirai Madzokere, Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maengahama and Simon Mapanzure.

In April this year, the matter was postponed sine die (indefinitely) by High Court judge Justice Chinembiri Bhunu in his chambers with the consent of both the State and the defence after the latter failed to file the anticipated application for discharge at the close of the State case.

The party’s youth secretary-general Promise Mkwananzi said: “Rebecca remains very dear in our hearts, and was a pivotal pillar of our struggle.”

At the time of her arrest and subsequent death, Mafukeni was MDC-T youth assembly deputy organising secretary for Harare.

Mourners are gathered at number 34 Five Avenue, Warren Park, Harare.