In a heartbreaking turn of events, a female Zanu PF provincial member assigned to the ongoing campaign for the December 9 by-elections in Beitbridge West has tragically passed away due to the scorching heatwave engulfing the border town.
The relentless heat, with temperatures soaring around 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, has prompted warnings for residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated.
The deceased, identified as Sister Moyo Bhebhe, was taken to Beitbridge Hospital after expressing discomfort and feeling unwell. Unfortunately, she passed away shortly after being admitted, leaving her colleagues and party members in shock and grief, according to sources.
The news of her untimely demise was shared within a Zanu PF WhatsApp group, where fellow members expressed their sorrow and admiration for her dedication to duty. Reports indicate that Sister Moyo Bhebhe had insisted on participating in the campaign activities despite displaying signs of distress. Tragically, her condition worsened, and she was rushed to the hospital, where her blood sugar levels were reported to be alarmingly high, likely exacerbated by the extreme heat in Beitbridge.
The message posted in the WhatsApp group read, “Comrades, this is both painful and energy-sapping. We were with this sister in the ward 14 program in Beitbridge West. Yesterday, we left her at the command center. Today, we went with her, but she appeared unwell. We tried convincing her to remain behind, but she insisted on going to the program. When we knocked off, she showed signs of stress and we took her to the hospital where all failed with her blood sugar level reported high, above 40. It is too hot here (in Beitbridge). To us, it’s painful, but her courage to die on duty is worth all respect. For us who were with her, it has badly impacted us. But this is a heroine who has gone.”
The incident has occurred amidst the ongoing political campaign for the by-elections in Beitbridge West, triggered by the recalls of lawmakers and councillors by the self-imposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu. The by-elections have become a battleground for political parties, with Zanu PF’s candidate, Thusani Ndou, facing off against Morgan Ncube and Blessing Choeni, both representing CCC led by Chamisa and Tshabangu, respectively. Other candidates in the by-elections include independent candidate Blessing Brendan Dube and Thoriso Moyo, the sole female candidate from Zapu.
