HARARE - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, leader of the opposition Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) Party, who passed away on May 24, 2026.
In an official condolence message issued on May 25, President Mnangagwa described Masarira’s passing as “a great loss to her family, to the women of Zimbabwe, and to the nation at large.”
He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of ZANU PF, the government, the people of Zimbabwe, and his family.
“Ms Masarira was a bold and outspoken voice in Zimbabwe's political and civic space. She consistently advocated for dialogue, constitutionalism, and national unity at a time when the country needed sober voices,” the President stated.
He highlighted her fearlessness in defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and her contributions through civil society, media, and platforms like the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).
The message praised her for demonstrating that “Zimbabweans of diverse political backgrounds can disagree without being enemies, and can work together for the common good.”
Mnangagwa urged that her legacy inspire young women to participate actively in national affairs and prayed for comfort for her family. “May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Masarira, aged 43, was a prominent activist and politician known for her outspoken views.
Her death has drawn tributes from some quarters but has also triggered intense backlash from sections of the opposition on X, where critics accused her of betrayal and closeness to the ruling party.
The criticism was prominently led by Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of Transform Zimbabwe, who initially posted that he had “no tears to shed” for Masarira.
He claimed she “dedicated the last half of her life to #SellingOut!” and alleged she lied in ways that contributed to his 2020 arrest. Ngarivhume later apologised after reflection, posting a 2020 photo with her and offering to assist her children.
Other users on X continued to express strong negative views:One post stated: “Did you know that there's people who have died or still suffering under this Mnangagwa which was fully supported by this Linda masarira she played a role yekutambura nekufa kwevanhu who is she ngaamame ende tese tikungofa wani let's go Next”
Another wrote: “Linda was a vile, heartless and this is one of the few people actually being honest about it. The way some people are suddenly calling her a ‘fighter’ and praising her like she was some kind of hero is just dishonest. She doesn’t deserve all that revisionism.”
A harsher comment declared: “Linda is getting a send off befitting for her behavior and attitude while here on earth... It's not the time to stroke a evildoers ego, even in their death. Truth is freedom. Linda terrorized people in her time... May be burn in hell!!!”
One user accused: “You can't call someone sick when he say things as they are Linda was evil, she testify that Masaraure ws being trained in Zambia by US mercenaries to topple gvt that animal should die thrice what an evil woman putting people in danger satan.”
Another highlighted perceived abandonment: “How could you all use Linda motadza kumubhadharira ma medical bills ake? ... Makashandisa mwana mahara.” (You used the child for nothing.)
The outpouring of criticism has sparked debate about political tolerance and cultural norms around speaking ill of the dead.
Some posts defended restraint, with one noting: “Those lambasting Linda Masarira in her death are worse than the cruelest ZANU PF members. It's taboo to scold the dead like you shall never die!”
Funeral arrangements for Masarira are expected to be announced soon.