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Charakupa (48) died at Ray of Hope Nursing Home in Harare last Friday night from head injuries sustained in the crash that also claimed the life of senior reporter Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo, a fortnight ago.
It was double tragedy for the Charakupa family as Onward’s elder brother, Headman Musarubgwa Simon Charakupa, collapsed and died early yesterday morning at the funeral.

Sabhuku Charakupa first collapsed two weeks ago after seeing his young brother’s wounds at Parirenya-twa Hospital and never fully recovered.
Zimpapers Group Editor-in-Chief Pikirayi Deke-teke, Herald Editor William Chikoto, Herald staffers, former workmates and friends joined the Charakupa family and relatives to pay their last respects to the veteran photo journalist.

Speaking at the burial, Chikoto described Chara-kupa as a humble journalist who was dedicated to his work.”We have lost a trusted colleague who soldiered on even during difficult economic conditions. As colleagues we are saddened by his death.”Charakupa was a humble and dedicated employee who was easy to work with and always performed to satisfaction. He was one man who we could trust with important assignments like those involving the Head of State and other senior Government officials,” he said

Chikoto said Charakupa had remained dedicated to the company for more than two decades. A family spokesperson Mrs Eunice Charakupa-Mazani who described Charakupa’s death as a great loss to the family, thanked those who witnessed the burial. “I want to thank Zimpapers for all its support during my brother’s funeral and all those who came to witness his burial,” she said.

Charakupa joined The Herald on August 22 1988 as a darkroom assistant.
In 1990 he was promoted to junior photographer and rose to become senior photographer in 1992.

In 2007, he was appointed deputy chief photographer, a position he held until the time of his death.
Charakupa is survived by his wife Sifiso and three children.