Lands and Agriculture Minister Perrence Shiri has passed away according to Norton MP, Themba Mliswa on Twitter. This is after the Minister’s driver succumbed to the coronavirus a few days earlier. After the driver’s death the Minister placed himself in self-isolation. He was later admitted to an unnamed private hospital yesterday.

I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP

*Rtd. Chief Air Marshal Shiri, gone to join his late son Tito….. my sincerest condolences
Themba Mliswa on Twitter

Earlier on government spokesperson Mr George Charamba had denied knowledge that the 65 year old member of cabinet had been admitted.

Cases soar as businesses close

CBZ and FBC were forced to close some of their branches after employees tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile the number of national cases stood at 2 847 with 40 deaths including that of a prominent former RBZ director. The numbers do not include the minister as they are from yesterday. This surge in cases comes as the government is accused of lacking sincerity and not investing in fighting the coronavirus with nurses in strike and health institutions compromised after nurses and health staff tested positive. Frontline staff has also balked from performing their duties saying they did not have adequate protective clothing.