The Sunday Mail
Clinton Moyo
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and his wife, Mrs Laurinda Mphoko, have paid condolences to the Mbele family following the death of principal director in his office, Mr Forbes Mbele.
Addressing mourners at the late senior Government official’s family home in Mahatshula, Bulawayo, the Vice President said Mr Mbele was calm and professional.
Mr Mbele died yesterday at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. He was 54.
“It is really painful to lose one of us, but I think we now have to accept death as part of us because all of us have really lost a special person,” said VP Mphoko.
“I worked with Mr Mbele from the time I became Vice-President.
“Actually I found him there as he also worked with Cde John Landa Nkomo and other Vice Presidents.
“I would like to encourage the family to be strong during these trying times. We just need to pray to God,” he said.
VP Mphoko described Mr Mbele as a calm and professional person.
“I think his children should know that their father was a respected person. He was very hardworking, calm, quiet, dedicated and very professional,” he said.
Mr Mbele’s sister, Mrs Lindewe Piliwe, said her brother’s death came as a shock to the family.
“His death came as a shock to us because he had a surgical operation on 3 August and was discharged from hospital looking fit,” she said.
“On Monday, his health deteriorated. He then he died during the early hours of today (yesterday),” she said.
VP Mphoko provided some groceries and money for the funeral expenses.
The late Mr Mbele is expected to be buried in Gweru this Tuesday. Mourners are gathered at house number 818 Mahatshula North in Bulawayo.
