Since the closure of Parliament on Monday, two Members of Parliament, Pretence Shiri of ZANU PF and Masango Matambanadzo, popularly known as The Blackman, of National Patriotic Front have died.

Lands and Agriculture minister Shiri died this morning. The development was announced by Norton legislator (independent) Temba Mliswa on social media.

Shiri missed cabinet on Tuesday with reports suggesting that he had been admitted to a local hospital after his driver had died of the coronavirus.

Mliswa posted on Twitter:

I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP

*Rtd. Chief Air Marshal Shiri, gone to join his late son Tito….. my sincerest condolences

Mliswa, however, did not reveal the cause of death although it is suspected that he succumbed to the novel virus.

His death follows the suspension of Parliament on Monday after two legislators tested positive for the coronavirus.

Blackman, who was popular for philanthropic work and a practical hands-on approach to empower residents in Kwekwe, died on Tuesday morning at his Amaveni home.

A family spokesperson, Ms Angela Nyathi confirmed Blackman’s death.

“He passed on early this morning,” she said before emotions got the better of her and broke down.

Blackman had been unwell for some time and was in December last year flown to China on a medical emergency due to suspected food poisoning.

Blackman who was popular for addressing the needs of vendors, flea marketers and the underprivileged, will be remembered for walking across town listening to people’s concerns.

Mr Paul Chomukona, an Amaveni resident, said Backman was a humble legislator who would spend nights at residents’ funeral wakes.

“Blackman was a people’s person. He knew that his power was within the people, He would listen to every concern, even those raised by the least regarded person. So far, he is the only MP I know who could spend the whole night with mourners at a funeral wake,” said Mr Chomukona.

He said the late MP was a pillar of strength and was always available whenever needed.