HARARE – A foul play is being suspected following the mysterious death of one Douglas Munatsi.
The prominent banker who died in an inferno early Monday morning at a block of flats in Harare, is said to have actually alerted fellow tenants of the fire.
At a time of his death, Munatsi was chief executive of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
Owners of the flats at Northfields block said in a statement that the other tenants then called the City of Harare Fire Brigade, which managed to put out the fire, but unfortunately could not save Munatsi.
Munatsi died in the fire in his 9th floor flat at the block located at the corner of Fifth Street and Josiah Tongogara Avenue.
Northfields Owners Association chairman only identified as C Gardiner said in the statement: “The association wishes to advise stakeholders that at approximately 02.50AM, on Monday 29th November, a fire was detected by the occupant of flat C9 in Northfields.
The former BancABC CEO was appointed to the role by President Emmerson Mnangagwa two years ago.
According to reports Munatsi was due to meet Mnangagwa on Monday morning.
Sources have disclosed that Munatsi complained of late about death threats he was receiving from unknown people.
He is said to have been in a political standoff with some top officials in the ruling party due to his dealings with Mnangagwa and his soft stance towards perceived ‘enemies of the regime’.
Messages of condolence have been pouring out from prominent personalities following the demise of Munatsi.
Award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono paid tribute to the phenomenal Munatsi.
“I am saddened to hear that Doug Munatsi has passed on in a fire tragedy.
“He was one of the few people around President Mnangagwa who genuinely wanted to see Zimbabwe succeed, and at many times felt let down by his bosses.
“We used to argue about politics but we remained cordial and respectful.
“May his soul Rest In Peace,” said Chin’ono.
