President Emmerson Mnangagwa has left for Zambia to attend the funeral for the late former Zambian president Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
The late President Banda is remembered for his unflinching call for removal of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services confirmed the president’s travel to Zambia.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa has left for Zambia to attend the funeral of that country’s 4th President, the late Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
” President Banda is remembered for his unflinching call for removal of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, ” the statement read.
Former Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, 85, died at home on Friday after a short battle with colon cancer, his family and the presidency said.
Banda, Zambia’s fourth president who was in power from 2008 to 2011, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had been receiving medical treatment.
Addressing the nation, President Hakainde Hichilema said the nation appreciate his long service.
“We recognise with fondness his long and illustrious career in public service and we appreciate his service to the nation,” Hichilema said.
Banda had held senior diplomatic posts under first President Kenneth Kaunda before being eventually named as vice president in 2006 by then-President Levy Mwanawasa.
The late president served as acting president in mid-2008 when Mwanawasa suffered a stroke. Banda nearly won October elections the same year on a ruling party ticket.
In 2013 Banda faced corruption allegations which resulted in his arrest.
He stood accused of abuse of office, corrupt acquisition of public property and misappropriation of public funds involving more than $11 million during his tenure as president, but was never convicted in a court of law and did not serve any jail time.
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