The late Afropop singer Garry Mapanzure (25) was laid to rest yesterday at Lawn Cemetery in Masvingo. Mapanzure succumbed to injuries sustained in a horrific car accident on Thursday in the Clipsham Heights suburb along the Beitbridge Highway.
Great Zimbabwe University Law student and Mapanzure’s friend Langton Madima (27) driving a Mazda Demio died on the spot.
Mapanzure’s sister Margret Zigomo, was admitted to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, while her child died on the spot and her friend Respina Machokoto was also admitted to the hospital.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the accident occurred after Munacho Charuma (39), driving a Honda CRV, turned in front of the oncoming Mazda Demio in which Mapanzure and crew were traveling.
“Garry was buried at the Lawn Cemetery along Mutare Highway before the 4 Infantry Brigade turn-off on Sunday (yesterday) at 10 am,” the family spokesperson confirmed.
The youthful singer has left behind a year-old son, Thomas Junior, and wife Vimbai who is in the United Kingdom. Mapanzure rose to fame with his 2017 hit single Wapunza, featuring his young brother Vicky.
He has released several hit singles such as Zvinoita, Moyo Muti, and Aida featuring dancehall chanter Shinsoman, Your Man, Slow, and Pindirai.
Away from the studio and stage, Mapanzure was also the chief executive officer of the African Sushi Wear clothing line he founded in 2021. The online store offers various products like T-shirts, hoodies and sweaters.
In other news – 60% of learners drop out of school due to drugs
About 60% of school dropouts across Zimbabwe are as a result of drug and substance use, a research paper has revealed. The research was conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund, in collaboration with the government, Muthengo Development Studies (MDS), Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), and Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ).
According to the research, the most common drugs abused by students were cannabis (67%), cough syrup (47%), crystal meth (36%), illegal alcohol (31%), pharmaceuticals (13%), crack (3%), cocaine powder (3%) and heroin (2%). Read More
