Senator Patrick Kombayi Dies
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) senator Patrick Kombayi has died.
He was the Senator for Gweru – Chirumanzu in the Midlands province.
In a statement, the MDC said Senator Kombayi died at his home in Gweru after battling with injuries sustained when Zanu PF operatives in Gweru shot him on March 24, 1990 while he was campaigning against late vice president Simon Muzenda. He was left permanently disabled.
Kombayi was at the time the National Organising Secretary of the Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM) led by Edgar Tekere. One of those convicted of shooting Kombayi, then Gweru CIO chief Elias Kanengoni, was later pardoned by President Mugabe.
“The MDC feels that Hon Kombayi’s contribution to pre and post Zimbabwe is uncontestable and he deserves a natural place of honour in the hearts and minds of all Zimbabweans.
“The MDC mourns with the Kombayi family and the people of Zimbabwe at this time of bereavement,” said the party.
Senator Kombayi was born on 2 November 1938 and is survived by his wife Mavis, six children and several grandchildren.