Former MDC-T Spokesperson, Witness Dube, has strongly condemned what he described as toxic social media attacks targeting the late Labor Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Tsungirirai Masarira following her sudden death, urging Zimbabweans to allow her family and supporters space to mourn in dignity.
Masarira, a labour rights activist and opposition politician, died on Sunday at the age of 43, prompting reactions from across the country’s political and civic landscape.
While tributes continued to pour in, Dube expressed concern over what he said were attempts by some social media users to vilify the late opposition leader even after her passing.
“Linda’s memory is being unduly vilified. People may have differed with her politically, but death should remind us of our shared humanity. This is not the time to settle political scores or attack someone who can no longer speak for herself. We must learn to separate political disagreement from human dignity,” he said.
Dube, who said he knew Masarira personally, described her as a passionate and principled individual who remained committed to speaking openly on political and social issues despite criticism.
“She always spoke truth to power no matter how unpopular that made her. Whether people agreed with her or not, she was fearless in expressing her convictions. That courage is something many people respected about her,” he said.
He added that Masarira’s public image often overshadowed the more personal side of her character.
“She was actually a very sweet person in private. She was humble, respectful and willing to listen to other people’s views. I am genuinely shocked at what some people are doing to her memory on social media,” he said.
Dube also appealed for more tolerance in Zimbabwe’s political discourse, saying differing political opinions should not erase compassion during moments of grief.
“We cannot build a healthy political culture if we celebrate hatred and mock people in death. At the end of the day, we are all human beings first before politics. Society must learn restraint, especially when families are still mourning,” he said.
Masarira founded the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party in 2019 and became known for her outspoken views on governance, labour rights and women’s participation in politics.
Her death was confirmed by close associate Abigale Mupambi, who described her as “a close friend and comrade to many.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
