The Zimbabwe journalism fraternity was thrown into mourning on Tuesday following the death of veteran radio and television broadcaster Freedom Moyo, who succumbed to injuries he sustained in an automobile crash.
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation current affairs and research manager died at the Harare West End Hospital where he was receiving treatment after his car was involved in an accident on Saturday with a truck.
Journalists and politicians paid their last respects late Tuesday at a memorial service in which speakers including Information Minister Webster Shamu eulogized him as a polished newsman who had served his country professionally.
Born in 1974 in Plumtree, on the western border with Botswana, Moyo pursued a career in journalism and joined the public broadcaster as a producer-presenter in 1996 before serving as its bureau chief for Matabeleland North and South.
He moved to Harare in 2009 and was promoted to the post of bulletins manager before landing the post as current affairs and research manager.
Moyo will be buried Thursday in Esigodini, Matabeleland South, colleagues said.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary-General Foster Dongozi said the country had been robbed of a personality who united newsmen from public and private media.
"Our reaction is that of shock and utter devastation," Dongozi said. "Moyo was a larger-than-life character, he was always bubbly, and always telling jokes. We've lost a dedicated cadre and comrade."
Njabulo Ncube, chairman of the Media Institute of Southern Africa in Zimbabwe, also spoke highly of Moyo. "This is a sad day for journalism in Zimbabwe. We've lost a journalist of repute, a humble person," Ncube said.