By Rex Mphisa
BULAWAYO prominent lawyer and owner of PaGomo Bar in Beitbridge David Mhiribidi has died.
He reportedly collapsed and died yesterday afternoon in Bulawayo.
An unidentified sister to his wife Privilege Vundla confirmed the news saying Vundla was in no condition to take a call.
“We are making arrangements to go to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (where his remains are). There are no funeral arrangements as yet,” she said.
It is understood Mhiribidi suffered a stroke.
A friend and nurse Wilson Kakumura said Mhiribidi suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
“This occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. This can happen due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke), causing brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen and leading to potential brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as timely treatment can save a life and improve the chances of recovery,” he said.
It is understood Mhiribidi, people loved to call Diva, was driving when he had a seisure.
“He had just dropped his son home and driving back to work. A street away he just said ‘shit’ put his hand on his chest and failed. A passenger had to stop and cut the car before rushing him to UBH where he was prounced dead on arrival,” said a worker at his office.
Mhiribidi, who was in his 50s, was based in Bulawayo where he was a senior partner at Mutuso, Taruvinga and Mhiribidi.
He started his career as a young junior prosecutor at Beitbridge in the early 90s and rose to become Beitbridge Area Prosecutor before going into business and private practice.
Duing his time as a prosecutor Mhiribidi was known to be firm against child abusers and he would declare he was employed to get angry on behalf of society.
His private practice was decorated with law tactics and constitutional law knowledge. He was never a pushover in court where he sed previous experience to outwit prosecution on behalf of his many clents.
He was the legal representative of many Beitbridge families estates and was a renowned criminal lawyer.
Several Beitbridge residences yesterday paid their homage to Mhiribidi, a known lover of life who loved good music and fun.
“We have lost another legend, Mhiribidi, PaGomo owner. He just collapsed. The one on far right with red tshirt,” former Ward Five (5) councillor Granger Nyoni said when he broke the news on the Progressive Residents WhatsApp platform.
“Sad indeed May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said businessman Roy Muleya.
Lawyer Jabulani Mzinyathi said Zimbabwe had lost a brilliant lawyer who gave his all to a case.
“I came to know Mhiribidi in 2002 around May when I was transferred from Gweru. He was then the area pp for Beitbridge district. When I met Mhiribidi I realised here was a man who could prepare very well for trial unlike what most of the youngsters of today do. He would give his all to a docket and leave no stone unturned,” said Mzinyathi.
He said he had an impeccable command of rhe English language tearing false witnesses to smithereens.
He wrote few notes but when he rose to prosecute he was amazing, said Mzinyathi.
“It with great sadness that I heard of his passing.Death is inevitable, there his nothing we can do. We have lost a lawyer, we have lost a former prosecutor and a businessman, Beitbridge has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and the Law Society of Zimbabwe,” said Mzinyathi.
He said the strength in their relationship was he professional distance they kept as prosecutor and magistrate which gave people fair trials.
“We never ganged up against accused people. We maintained the professional distance and not what we see today,” he said.
Harare lawyer Harrison Nkomo, just like journalist Thupeyo Muleya, could only say “Ahh Bla Diva?”
Mhiribidi is most likely to be buried at Gamwa in Shurugwi where he came from the same neighbourhood with the late Josiah Tongogara.
It is the same neighbourhood with Sabhuku Themba Mliswa.
Mhiribidi is survived by his wife and several children.