Mystery hangs over the death of a Bulawayo doctor who was on Thursday night found dead in his car.
The surgeon, Dr Phinot Moyo, 58, employed at Mater Dei Hospital, was discovered by police officers on patrol.
Dr. Moyo’s car was parked on the road-side with one of his legs outside the vehicle.
ZRP Officers say they spotted the car while passing through the area according to State papers.
When they opened the car they found only Dr Moyo inside who they pronounced dead at the scene.
Such deaths are rare in the city and members of the public have expressed doubts that it was of a natural cause.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango told the State Media investigations are on course.
“I can confirm that our officers found a body of an adult man in his vehicle. Investigations are underway to establish what could have killed him. We’re waiting for a postmortem report to direct us how we should proceed with the matter,” said Insp Simango.
She said when police found Dr Moyo’s body, his vehicle’s hazard lights were on.
Dr Moyo’s brother and family spokesperson Liveson Moyo said he was informed about his death at about midnight.
“I received a phone call from the police who inquired if I knew the person whose phone they were using to call me. At first I didn’t realise that it was my brother’s as I was fast asleep but when they called for the second time I realised it was his phone. They then told me that he had passed away and I started calling around informing other family members,” said Moyo.
He said Dr Moyo’s death came as a shock to the family as he did not have any medical condition that could have claimed his life.
“I even asked family members when I came here whether there was anything bothering him but everyone said he was in perfect condition,” he said.
The vice president for Zimbabwe Medical Association Matabeleland region, Dr Wedu Ndebele said the country had suffered a devastating loss.
He described Dr Moyo as a dedicated philanthropist who had a passion for children and development.
Dr Moyo was a children anaesthetist.
“He was a disciplined, hard-working doctor. He was very selfless. You would call him at any time of the day and he would be there to offer his service. His death is a big blow to Bulawayo and the whole southern region as there aren’t so many specialists like him,” he said.
He is survived by a wife and four children, three girls and a boy.
Mourners are gathered at house Number 13 Founders Road, Richmond.