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CHIEF Mashayamombe, born Ignatius Chiketa Kanengoni who died on Monday evening, has been described as a humble and straightforward traditional leader.

He was 86.

Chief Mashayamombe died upon admission at Norton Hospital after developing breathing problems.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana confirmed the death in a tweet.

“We have received sad news that we have lost Chief Mashayamombe. He is reported to have developed breathing problems yesterday (Monday) and was taken to Norton hospital where he died upon arrival in the evening,” he said.

Mashonaland West Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Josphat Jaji, describing him as a very humble person who was easy to work with.

“From the little time that I have so far spent here and from what I hear from those that worked with him for long, he was a simple and straightforward traditional leader,” he said.

“We are yet to receive the actual cause of the death, but suspicion has it that he might have succumbed to Covid-19,” he added.

Burial arrangements are yet to be made public. At one stage, Chief Mashayamombe was previously involved in chieftaincy wrangle involving three other families seeking to dethrone him.

Mashonaland Provincial Assembly of Chiefs had to convene a meeting with the warring parties. One, Mr Thomas Juta Hwakwakwa according to other aggrieved parties, was said to be the rightful heir, since it was not his family that was supposed to be in charge.

Conrad Mupesa and Rutendo Rori