By A correspondent- The Midlands province’s longest-serving traditional leader Chief Maziofa has died.

Chief Maziofa of Mberengwa in the Midlands Province, died of Covid-19 related complications yesterday.

He was 79.

Tamuka Hove, the chief’s son said his father, who was born Joshua Koda, succumbed to COVID-19 complications while on his way to the hospital on Wednesday at around 4 pm.

“He tested positive to COVID-19 some few weeks back and nurses at Mnene District Hospital administered some medication but allowed him to recuperate while home. His health, however, deteriorated yesterday afternoon and we rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission,” said the late Chief’s son.

Hove said the long-serving traditional leader, who was considered a fountain of wisdom in the entire Mberengwa District, will be dearly missed by the family.

“We are devastated. We will miss him, not only as a family but the whole district,” he said.

Chief Maziofa is survived by his wife Ruvamirai, 11 children and 22 grandchildren.

-State media