By Munacho Gwamanda—President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s twin sons, Sean and Collins, along with their brother Emmerson Jr., have sponsored part of the funeral costs for Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube’s mother, Edith Ncube.
Edith Ncube died over the weekend and was laid to rest on Wednesday.
Speaking at the funeral, Mudha, revealed that the Mnangagwa brothers had purchased the coffin for his late mother.
“My brothers Sean, Collins, and Emmerson Junior have shown their support by providing my mother’s coffin,” he said, further solidifying his close ties to the First Family.
The gesture highlights the enduring relationship between Mnangagwa and Ncube, which stretches back decades and transcends political alliances.
Ncube, often referred to by his nickname “Mudha,” is a longtime ally of Mnangagwa and has played a pivotal role in his political and economic manoeuvres in the Midlands.
Social media posts from Zanu PF activist @Cde Chibage TINO also underscored the First Family’s involvement in the funeral. “Mrs. Edith Ncube, the mother of Honourable Owen Ncube, was laid to rest today. Special thanks to Collins, Sean, and Emmerson Jr. Mnangagwa for their generous contributions,” read one post.
Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia, also attended the funeral, further underlining the family’s support during Ncube’s time of grief.
Ncube’s connection to Mnangagwa dates back to the 1990s, when he reportedly served as a key figure in Mnangagwa’sgold mining operations in Kwekwe, Zhombe, and Gokwe.
His loyalty was rewarded after the 2017 military coup, which saw Mnangagwa rise to power.
Ncube was appointed State Security Minister shortly thereafter.
Despite internal Zanu PF power struggles that led to his dismissal, Ncube was reinstated as Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister after the 2023 elections.
This move signaled Mnangagwa’s continued reliance on Ncube as a trusted lieutenant, even amid allegations of orchestrating violence, political coercion, and benefiting from illicit gold trade in the province.
Critics argue that Ncube’s role as a political enforcer has solidified his controversial reputation.
Allegations of orchestrating violence against opposition members and securing Zanu PF’s control over Midlands through coercion have tarnished his tenure.
The death of his mother comes at a time when Ncube’s influence remains a subject of scrutiny, raising questions about his ongoing role in Mnangagwa’s political machinery.
This funeral not only served as a family affair but also highlighted the complex web of relationships and loyalties that underpin Mnangagwa’s grip on power in Zimbabwe.