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(ZIMPAPERS ZW) Vice President John Nkomo dies

Vice President John Nkomo dies
17/01/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

VICE President John Landa Nkomo has died aged 79. Nkomo, who has been battling cancer, died at around noon Thursday, presidential spokesman George Charamba said.

"I can confirm that Vice President Nkomo has sadly passed away," Charamba said. Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo said Nkomo was rushed to Harare's St Annes Hospital on Wednesday night after his conditition "deteriorated".

Water Resources Minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, a cousin to Nkomo, also confirmed his death. The news was "devastating to the family", he said.

Meanwhile, the United States embassy issued a statement expressing its condolences to Nkomo's family and the people of Zimbabwe "on the death of Vice President John Landa Nkomo".

"Whether as a teacher, a politician, an advocate for Zimbabwe’s independence, or as a public servant, Vice President Nkomo was a patriot who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and prosperity," the embassy said.

"As a leader of PF Zapu and Zanu PF, Nkomo played an important role in shaping the course of Zimbabwean history. May he rest in peace".

Labels: GEORGE CHARAMBA, JOHN NKOMO, SIMON KHAYA MOYO, ZANU-PF

posted by MrK @ 8:35 PM