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Lovemore Meya Herald Correspondent
ZIMPAPERS chief librarian Mr Gibson Mapfumo has died.
He was 53.
Mr Mapfumo succumbed to hernia which had troubled him for three years at his home in Munyawiri Village, Domboshava, yesterday. Mourners are gathered at his home in Domboshava and burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Zimpapers deputy chief librarian Mr Kudakwashe Mazuru expressed shock and sadness at the untimely death of Mr Mapfumo, whom he described as a good and humble man.

“We are still in shock to learn of the untimely death of our colleague, Mr Mapfumo,” said Mr Mazuru.

“He was a good man. I started working with him in 2003 when he was still the deputy chief librarian and was later promoted to the position of chief librarian in 2007. During his long stint at work, we never had challenges with him. It is a great loss to us as Zimpapers’ library team, and also to his family. His death has dealt us a blow because no one will ever fill the gap he has left.”

Monalisa Mapfumo, the eldest daughter to Mr Mapfumo, described her father’s death as a huge loss to the family. “I am still to come to terms with the death of my father,” she said.

“He had been suffering from hernia for the past three years and the illness was always on and off.

“He died at around 5pm (yesterday) here at home (Domboshava). His death has pained me a lot. It is a huge loss since he used to be a strict disciplinarian. He was a quiet person with a good heart.”

Mr Mapfumo is survived by two daughters, Monalisa and Moleen.

His wife passed on in May this year.

Mr Mapfumo joined Zimpapers in the early 90s and stuck with the organisation until the time of his death yesterday.